Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has received some disturbing news on the injury front ahead of Euro 2012 as he will have to make do without the services of Barcelona defender Carles Puyol at this summer's tournament due to a knee injury.
The 34-year-old featured for the full 90 minutes in Barcelona's 4-0 La Liga win over Espanyol at the weekend, but complained about knee problems after the game.
He underwent a number of tests on Monday to determine the extent of the knock, and Barcelona have now announced on their official website that Puyol will have to undergo surgery.
Puyol will go under the knife on Saturday May 12, and will consequently be out of action for at least six weeks. The operation will be performed by doctor Ramon Cugat.
The veteran defender will miss Barcelona's last Liga match of the season against Betis due to the knee problem, while also missing out on the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao, and Euro 2012 with the national team.
Spain start the European championships with a match against Italy on June 10.
