Juanfran calf injury makes defender doubtful for Barca clash

Diego Simeone could be without Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran for Saturday's La Liga game at home to title rivals Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid right-back Juanfran

Juanfran has added to Atletico Madrid's defensive problems ahead of Saturday's La Liga game at home to title rivals Barcelona.

The right-back, who has started seven La Liga games and three Champions League fixtures this term, sustained a calf injury in Thursday's training session.

Santiago Arias is likely to retain his place in Juanfran's absence, but head coach Diego Simeone has a selection headache for the visit of the league leaders.

Captain Diego Godin is expected to be unavailable after he damaged his left hamstring in Atletico's last match – an injury that did not prevent the centre-back from netting a dramatic late winner.

Fellow Uruguay international Jose Gimenez has been sidelined with a similar complaint and is in a race to be fit alongside another defender Lucas Hernandez (adductor).

Barcelona tops the table heading to the Wanda Metropolitano but it is only a point clear of Atletico, who has won four of its past five games in all competitions.

After hosting the defending champions, Atletico is at home to Monaco in Group A of the Champions League on Wednesday, needing a win to secure qualification.