Barca's Luis Garcia out of Real match, doubt for Spain

Barcelona winger Luis Garcia will miss his side's league match against Real Madrid on Sunday and is likely to pull out of the Spain squad to play Italy in a next week because of a groin strain.

The 25-year-old, who has been in outstanding form for Barcelona recently, sustained the injury in training on Saturday and although the club said they did not think it was serious he is not expected to face Italy in Genoa on Wednesday.

Garcia was called into the Spain squad for the second time on Thursday. He missed his chance to win his first cap a year ago when he had to withdraw from the squad through injury and it appears that he will suffer the same fate once again.

The winger's withdrawal could open the door for former Real Madrid forward Luis Enrique to appear against his old side at the Bernabeu.

The good news for Spain and Barcelona is that influential defender Carles Puyol was passed fit to play after recovering from a leg strain.

Real Madrid striker Ronaldo is still doubtful after pulling up in training on Friday because of pain in his thigh.