On Saturday, Barcelona suffered a dismal loss to Atletico Madrid which left them 10th in the table, with only 11 points from eight games. It was their worst start to a La Liga campaign in 25 years, but things could get even worse. 

Barely 24 hours after the defeat, Barcelona confirmed that Gerard Pique has suffered medial and cruciate knee ligament injuries, which would suggest a period of months on the sidelines for the veteran defender. 

"Evidence shows that Pique has a grade three sprain of the medial lateral ligament and a partial injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Evolution will determine future availability," read a statement.  

Meanwhile, the Spanish giants also revealed the extent of injuries of Pique's teammate Sergi Roberto. "Tests performed this Sunday on Sergi Roberto have shown that he has a rupture in the femoral rectus of his right thigh," the club announced. "The approximate time he will be out is two months." 

It means the two key players will miss Barcelona's Champions League clash with  Dynamo Kiev and crucial ties against Osasuna, Ferencvaros, Cadiz, Juventus, Levante, Real Sociedad, Valencia and Valladolid in domestic league. 

"Like any coach, I am responsible. We know we have to improve results and grow in confidence. We are working hard, we have to improve things in defence and attack," Barca coach Ronald Koeman said after their latest setback. 

He tried to put on a brave face despite the mounting problems. "I try to put out the best team we have available. The players have done everything to get a result and we have to continue in that way. I am not worried about the league, although we know we need to win games," he added.