Barcelona’s Puyol Undergoes Knee Surgery, Will Miss Euro 2012

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol underwent arthropscopic knee surgery today that will keep him out of soccer’s European Championship.

Puyol, 34, had loose cartilage removed from his knee and will be sidelined six weeks, Barcelona doctor Ricard Pruna said on the club’s website.

The defender will miss Spain’s title defense at Euro 2012, which begins June 10 against Italy, as well as the Copa del Rey final with Athletic Bilbao on May 25.

“His objective is to be in optimal condition for the preseason,” Pruna said.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Bob Bensch at bbensch@bloomberg.net