Injuries are part and parcel of life in La Liga and everywhere else, but rarely will a side have to cope with a spate of absences in such a key area of the pitch as Atletico Madrid are facing right now.
Five centre-backs are currently sidelined through injury ahead of the weekend match against Real Betis, meaning the manager, Diego Simeone, has to choose between playing two midfielders out of position or else incorporating a debutant in his defence.
Regardless of who is chosen to play at the back, both captain Gabi and recent midfield signing Augusto Fernandez will have to step up and produce a big performance to protect the decimated defence to ensure Atleti get back to winning ways.