Spain defender Carles Puyol is in danger of missing out on UEFA EURO 2012 after it was revealed that the FC Barcelona captain requires exploratory surgery on a troublesome injury to his right knee.

Despite completing all 90 minutes of his side's 4-0 Liga victory against RCD Espanyol at the weekend, Puyol, who is one game away from collecting a century of international caps, complained of discomfort in the joint, prompting club medics to schedule an operation for this Saturday which they hope will determine the extent of the problem.

The Barça captain, who has helped Spain to UEFA EURO 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup success, is certain to miss the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Club Bilbao on 25 May and – with his club predicting a six-week lay-off ‒ the 34-year-old is now in danger of exclusion from Vicente del Bosque's squad for UEFA EURO 2012, which is due to be finalised two days after that game.

Let's hope he will get back in the field soon.

Good for Bilbao, bad for the country! I surely hope he'll recover quickly and be back on his feet for the euro.