Mascherano: Puyol injury a big blow

Javier Mascherano says Carles Puyol’s injury is a huge blow for Barcelona as they prepare for the La Liga clash with Real Madrid.

Puyol sustained a dislocated elbow in Barcelona’s 2-0 Champions League Group G match at the Estadio Da Luz on Tuesday, and Mascherano hopes that the influential defender will return soon to the pitch.

“Puyol’s injury is really bad news, he’s the captain, a fantastic player and a man who brings a lot to the group and the team,” Mascherano said.

“Now he’s picked up another injury but hopefully we can have him back with us soon.”

The Argentina international said he was delighted with his side’s win over Benfica as he feels the Portuguese team posed a stern test.

“We played against an intense team, they pressured us quite a bit and they have quality players,” Mascherano said.

“We scored a goal in the first half and that calmed us down, we could have scored more and we finally did in the second half.

“We’re coming into the Clasico on form.”

Barcelona resume match action at home against Real Madrid on Sunday.