PUYOL OUT ON A 10-DAY SPELL ON SIDELINES

FC Barcelona's captain, Carles Puyol, is set to be sidelined for up to 10 days with a groin injury.

The centre-back noticed the problem while representing Catalonia against Honduras on Tuesday and subsequent tests have confirmed the extent of the injury, which, according to the Barcelona website, will keep the Spanish World Cup winner out for 'between seven to 10 days.'

Barca, which is two points clear at the top of the Primera Division table, is due to play Levante and Deportivo La Coruna in the league next week as well as the second leg of its Copa del Rey last-16 tie with Athletic Bilbao. The first leg at the Nou Camp ended goalless.

However, Barca has received some good news with Gabriel Milito and Jeffren Suarez receiving the green light to return to action following thigh injuries. Argentine centre-back Milito has been absent since the Copa del Rey tie against Ceuta on November 10 while winger Jeffren has been sidelined since the Champions League meeting with Rubin Kazan on December 7.