FC Barcelona will be without left back Eric Abidal for around two months.

The French international tore a groin muscle in Tuesday's training session after slipping.

He is estimated to be out of action for around two months, meaning Brazilian defender Maxwell will now have an extended run in the side.

The loss of the in-form Abidal gives coach Pep Guardiola big problems as Barcelona is also without Dani Alves, who has a torn calf muscle and midfielder Toure Yaya, who also has a groin problem.

Barcelona will also be without the suspended duo of Gabriel Marquez and Gerard Pique for next Sunday’s trip to play Atletico Madrid and Guardiola has drafted Barcelona B-team players Bartra and Fontas into his squad.