Carles Puyol Blow for Spain and Del Bosque

Spain's hopes of retaining the European Championships appear to be dwindling slightly after yet another injury to a key player. Yet again, it is a member of the Barcelona squad.

According to the Euro 2012 odds, Spain are the favourites to lift the trophy. However, Vicente del Bosque now has to deal with the loss of Carles Puyol possibly alongside the loss of David Villa.

The 34-year-old defender could have played his last major international tournament at the Euro 2012, but as it is, the 2010 FIFA World Cup seems to have all the makings of his final tournament. He will undergo arthroscopic surgery, which will surely keep him out of Euro 2012.

There can be no doubts that Puyol has been one of the finest centre backs the game has seen. He has certainly grown in stature in recent times due to his years of experience at the top level.

Of course, the World Champions do have a number of credible replacements for the Barcelona defender in the form of his teammate Gerard Pique and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. However, none can come close to Puyol when it comes to leadership. The shaggy-haired Barcelona stalwart is one of the players whom you might want to take even when he is injured.

In many ways, Puyol is like John Terry. Ability wise, there are many defenders who are much better than Terry, but none can come close to the former England captain when it comes to leadership on the pitch.

Furthermore, Spain will also miss his experience as well. The 34-year-old made his debut for Spain back in 2000. Despite being a proud Catalan, Puyol has given his all for the national team in these 12 years. Perhaps, it is fitting that he has gone out after winning the World Cup.

Sergio Ramos has been playing well at centre back for Real Madrid this season. As impressive as he may be, he is always a liability in the centre of defense. Puyol, however, provides the calm and collected organisation alongside Pique.

Ramos playing at right back would also have given the team a bit more defensive stability than Alvaro Arbeloa, who has now become the favourite to start there in the opening Spain vs Italy match.

Puyol may have said in the aftermath of the injury that he is not ready to retire yet. However, if he does not make it to the Euro 2012, then the world has surely seen the last of the great defender at a major tournament.