Concussion won´t sideline Puyol

Barcelona’s Carles Puyol is expected to be fit for next week’s ‘Clasico’ against Real Madrid despite suffering a concussion against Levante.

The Spain central defender was left dazed after colliding with Arouna Kone during the first half of the 5-0 rout at Camp Nou on Saturday and had to be replaced nine minutes before the break by Dani Alves.

However, according to EFE, Barca have revealed that Puyol’s substitution was purely a precautionary measure.

Consequently, the veteran centre-half will be free to lead his side into battle at the Santiago Bernabeu next weekend.

Barcelona go into the game sitting second on the table, three points behind their great rivals Madrid and having played one game more.

The likely availability of Puyol is a massive boost for the Catalans as their last six defeats have all come in the skippers absence.