The 34-year-old limped off the ground during the second half of Barcelona's 4-1 win over Getafe in La Liga on Saturday.

Puyol underwent knee surgery in May following an injury in the Catalan derby against Espanyol, an operation that kept the Spain international out of their victorious Euro 2012 campaign.

Making only his second appearance following his recovery, Puyol appeared to twist his knee sharply in the 52nd minute of play, although he managed to return to action shortly after.

It proved too much for the stopper to take, however, and was subsequently replaced in the 57th minute by defensive colleague Javier Mascherano.

Puyol will undergo further checks on Sunday, although the club already expects him to be on the sidelines for between four and six weeks.

The protracted recovery period will enforce a shortage of centre-backs on Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova, who will have to make do without the influential defender against Spartak Moscow for their UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, as well as the crunch Clasico encounter against Spain champions Real Madrid.