Puyol to miss Argentina match after groin strain

MADRID, Oct 11 (Reuters) Barcelona defender Carles Puyol will miss Spain's friendly against Argentina today because of a minor groin strain sustained in training on the eve of the game.

The 28-year-old centre-back is doubtful for Sunday's league match against Sevilla but the injury is not thought to be serious and he should be ready to play in next week's Champions League clash at Chelsea.

''Puyol told us he wanted to stay with the squad and he even wanted to play, but after talking with (Barcelona doctor Ricard) Pruna we decided that it was best not to push him,'' Spain team doctor Genaro Borras was quoted as saying in Sport daily newspaper today.

Real Betis's Juanito and Atletico Madrid's Pablo Ibanez are expected to line up in the centre of defence against Argentina in Murcia.

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