Defensive problems mount for Guardiola

(GSM) – If Barcelona manages to beat Atletico Madrid this weekend, it will be a huge performance.

Today, Barca coach Josep Guardiola had to watch in anger as Dmytro Chygrynskiy limped off the training field. The centre half picked up a muscle injury and won’t be able to play against Atletico.

Chygrynskiy’s injury adds to Guardiola’s defensive problems. The 39-year-old coach only has three defenders on his squad for the game against Atletico: Carles Puyol, Gabriel Milito and Maxwell.

Eric Abidal, Yaya Toure and Dani Alves are al struggling with injuries while Rafael Marquez and Gerard Pique are suspended for Sunday’s match.

Chygrynskiy was signed from Shakhtar Donetsk this summer but has failed to make an impact at Barcelona so far. The Ukrainian defender has played twelve games for the Catalan side so far: ten league matches and two cup matches.