Spain defender Carles Puyol could miss Euro 2012 after his club Barcelona said on Tuesday he has a knee injury that requires arthroscopic surgery and will be out for around six weeks.
“After tests were conducted it was decided the player would have arthroscopic surgery next Saturday, May 12,” Barca said in a statement on their website. “The estimated time he will be out of action is around six weeks.”
Puyol has been a vital cog in Spain's defence. Reuters
Spain’s first game of Euro 2012 is against Italy on June 10.
Sergio Ramos, who has played most of this season as Real Madrid’s centre-back could fill the gap if Puyol misses out. It is possible that Raul Albiol could step in.
Spain’s usual centre-back pairing has been Puyol and Gerard Pique, with both forming a mean defence for their club and country.
Spain manager Vicente del Bosque is expected to name his squad in the last week of May and Puyol will add to his injury headache as star striker David Villa is also hoping to be fit for the Euros.
With inputs from Reuters
