Fracture forces Puyol out
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Article summary
Carles Puyol is likely to be fit for FC Barcelona's next UEFA Cup date despite breaking a cheekbone.
Article body
Cup victory
The 25-year-old Spanish international took a blow to the face in last night's 3-1 Copa del Rey victory against Levante UD. Tests conducted at a clinic in Barcelona revealed a hairline fracture to Puyol's left cheekbone.
Comeback date
The blow did not cause any bones to move, though, and Puyol should return to training in around ten days. He will wear a protective mask and should be back playing within a month. The first leg of Barça's tie with Brøndby is scheduled for 26 February in Denmark.
Fitness report
Luis Enrique, who also broke a cheekbone earlier this month, is due back in three weeks with the aid of a mask. Meanwhile, Marc Overmars, Patrick Kluivert and Thiago Motta have all recovered from injury, but Andrés Iniesta, Gabri García and Oscar López are still undergoing treatment.