Puyol to undergo knee surgery, will miss Euro 2012

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) Barcelona defender Carles Puyol is set to undergo knee surgery and will be sidelined while Spain defends its title at the European Championship.

Puyol felt discomfort in his right knee in Barcelona's 4-0 victory over Espanyol last Saturday, and medical tests have led the 34-year-old to opt for an arthroscopic operation.

Barcelona said Tuesday the surgery will be performed on Saturday and Puyol will need six weeks to recover.

Puyol missed most of last season after surgery on his left knee. The Barcelona captain recovered and was a regular this season.

Puyol has 99 international appearances and has played for Spain at all major championships since the 2002 World Cup.