Barcelona’s Carles Puyol will be out for up to six weeks after suffering a fractured cheekbone in the club’s King’s Cup victory over Levante.

Puyol was forced off in the 81st minute of his side’s 3-1 win after a clash with Levante striker Edwin Congo. X-rays have confirmed the fracture and Puyool is expected to be out of action for six weeks.

The loss of Puyol will be a huge blow to Barcelona, who are struggling to stay in race for a European qualification place for next season. The lie in seventh place, 16 points behind leaders Valencia and four behind Atletico Madrid in the fourth and final Champions League slot.