Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol could be sidelined for up to a month after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Friday.

Xavi (hamstring) and Victor Valdes (suspension) also sit out Sunday's clash, but youngster Marc Bartra is available after overcoming a knee problem.


Midfielder Cesc Fabregas and winger Alexis Sanchez may return to the line-up after starting on the bench against AC Milan in midweek.

Rayo boss Paco Jemez will be without suspended trio Jose Manuel Casado, Javi Fuego and Leo Baptistao.

Mikel Labaka has returned to training following an ankle injury but is not match fit, while fellow defender Jordi Amat is available after serving a one-match ban.

• Barcelona are on a nine-match winning run at Camp Nou in La Liga.

• The Catalan giants will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg to be played at Parc des Princes on April 2.

• Lionel Messi (pictured, right) has scored 13 goals in his last 11 appearances for Barcelona.

• Rayo Vallecano are on a four-match winless run away from home in La Liga, losing three.

• Los Franjirrojos have lost their last four meetings with Barcelona by an aggregate score of 19-0.

• Rayo's last win over Barca at Camp Nou was a 2-0 success in May 2000.