Puyol: Elbow injury was the most painful experience

Barcelona centre-back, Carles Puyol spoke about the devastating dislocated elbow he suffered almost two months ago and despite the serious injury, will not change his style of play.

Puyol described the injury suffered in Barça’s 3-1 Champions League win over Benfica as the most painful experience he`s ever had and is described to be back in action.



“I’m pleased to be back and I’m pleased that we won, I’m happy that I’m getting back into the rhythm of things, the elbow injury was my worst experience as far as injuries go. It was very painful. I didn’t think it would be that bad.



“The only positive thing about an arm injury is that you can start physical training sooner. I just need to gain a bit of mobility and strength.



“You can’t think about what has happened to you in the past, If I stop myself from heading the ball or making tackles, it’s time to leave the sport. I always try to help the team and that was just an unfortunate play.”



The Catalan captain will be back in the starting line-up when the Blaugrana take on Spartak Moscow in Tuesday evening`s Champions League clash in Russia.




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Benzema: I’d rather face Ramos than Puyol

Real Madrid and French international striker, Karim Benzema spoke to the media prior to Tuesday evening`s 2014 World Cup qualifier against Spain at the Vicente Calderon.



He  would much rather face his own teammate, Sergio Ramos, than Spain`s two other centre-backs, Barcelona duo Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol.

Benzema began by discussing his Real Madrid teammates, of which there are five, but mostly discussed centre-back Sergio Ramos and goalkeeper, Iker Casillas.



“I’ve been getting messages from a few of the lads, especially Sergio Ramos, who’s a good friend of mine. I would rather be up against him than Gerard Piqué or Carles Puyol, because I know him better.



“Casillas is one of the best players in the world, that’s all that needs to be said on the matter.”



The Frenchman then discussed the Spanish national team and losing to Spain in the Euro 2012 tournament.



“They are the best team in the world – they’ve won everything there is to win. I play with a lot of international players at Madrid, so I know what quality is. Having said that, I don’t think they are unbeatable, this is not mission impossible. It’s still 11 against 11.



“We lost this game [in June] but it doesn’t mean anything, that competition is now over. Now we have to try and win in the Calderón.



This game is different as it’s an international game, but the Calderón is always a difficult place to go, whether you are playing against Spain or Atlético Madrid.”

Puyol facing spell on the sidelines

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol could be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering a knee injury in tonight's Primera Division win over Getafe.



The Spain defender strained the posterior cruciate ligament in his left leg during the second half and the club's initial assessment is that he will be out for between four to six weeks, although he will undergo further tests tomorrow.



Barca coach Tito Vilanova said after the 4-1 win: "It's always a problem when you lose players like him. We know how important Puyol is to the team.



"He played well throughout the match, he brings a lot to the team. Hopefully we can get him back soon."



Barca, whose victory over Getafe was their fourth in four league matches this season, begin their Champions League campaign against Spartak Moscow on Wednesday.



In the next month they also face Granada, Sevilla, Benfica and Real Madrid.