Barcelona defender Carles Puyol has been ruled out of Spain's opening Euro 2012 qualifying match on Friday due to injury.

Puyol, who suffered a left leg injury, will miss the World Cup champions' Group I match against Liechtenstein, as well as a friendly against Argentina four days later.

Osasuna defender Ignacio Monreal has been called up to fit in Puyol's shoes for the Euro qualifying game.

The injury had forced the centerback out of Barcelona's league win over Racing Santander on Sunday.

Capped 90 matches for Spain, Puyol had helped Spain to the European championship two years ago.