Barcelona defender Maxwell bemoaned the injuries plaguing the side, but is confident that they can cope.

Barcelona's defense is looking a little fragile ahead of their clash with Atletico Madrid with both Dani Alves and Eric Abidal out with serious injuries.

To compound matters, both Gerard Pique and Rafael Marquez are suspended after picking up red cards in the team's 2-1 win over Getafe last Saturday.

Maxwell, however, is not too worried.

He was reported as saying in Marca that "Losing players is always difficult because we lose quality and rhythm, but we have a team with good depth and we are prepared to take on these challenges. We want to win another match, which will be very important."

"We always play with the aim of winning and it will be a very strong result after so many injuries and suspensions,"added the Brazilian.

The right back has played in 9 games for Barcelona so far this season after his summer move and is happy with the support he has received. He said that "team-mates help me a lot. The team is playing very well and I am always ready to contribute."

Looking ahead to the next match, he admitted that it would be difficult to beat Atletico.

"They have a lot of quality in attack with goalscorers, speed, and technique...it will be very difficult, but we hope to nullify them and create our own chances to win the game."

Maxwell also aired his views on recent allegations in the Madrid press that Barcelona are favoured by the referees in La Liga.

"It's a controversy that has been fabricated by the press. We are concentrated on our own work and the rest is insignificant."