Barcelona centre back Carles Puyol has been ruled out of Sunday’s ‘El Clasico’ against Real Madrid after dislocating his left elbow.
Playing for the first time since returning unexpectedly quick from a knee injury he suffered two weeks ago, Puyol endured a gruesome elbow injury in the 77th minute of Barcelona’s 2-0 Champions League win against Benfica.
In the 77th minute, Puyol took a bad fall and landed awkwardly on his arm. It was grotesque to see and immediately everyone in the stadium knew it was a serious injury. Puyol stayed down a few minutes before being helped on a cart, holding his arm close to his body with his opposite hand.
‘We are waiting for more information but he will certainly miss the “Clasico”,’ Barca coach Tito Vilanova said after the match.The injury is a huge blow for Barcelona with Puyol’s defensive partner Gerard Pique also sidelined.
Puyol in HospitalIt’s way to early to know the extent of the injury but it really appears that if Puyol escapes without a dislocated shoulder or broken arm, it will be a near miracle.