Barcelona lose Carles Puyol to injury for Athletic Bilbao game

Barcelona's injury woes continue to mount as Carles Puyol has been ruled out of the match against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

The club said Puyol, who had just been cleared to play before the Copa del Rey final earlier this week, will be unavailable after his troublesome right knee acted up again during training.

Barcelona were already without defenders Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, striker Neymar and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Barcelona defender Marc Bartra has been included on the squad after being considered doubtful. Barcelona need to win to remain within four points of league leader Atletico Madrid.