Star man: Puyol has been a key player for Spain over the years

The loss of Puyol would be a major blow to the world and European champions, who begin the defence of their title against Italy on June 10.

Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque will announce a provisional squad on May 15 which will then be whittled down when the final party is confirmed on May 27.

'That's football, it's an extremely significant loss for us,' Del Bosque was quoted as saying in Marca sports daily.   

'Quite apart from whether or not it disrupts my plans, he is a charismatic lad and very important (to the team) and was only a step away from making his 100th appearance. 'He has been in great form, it's a shame.'        

Puyol, 34, has been a reliable presence in the Spanish back line for more than a decade and has made 99 appearances for his country, scoring the winning goal in Spain's 1-0 semi-final victory against Germany at the 2010 World Cup.   

His absence would likely mean that Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos partners Puyol's Barca team mate Gerard Pique in central defence at Euro 2012.

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