Barcelona say defender Carles Puyol has a left leg injury and the speed of his recovery will determine his availability.

Barcelona say medical tests "confirmed Puyol has a bruise on his left leg" that forced him to be substituted in the 57th minute of Wednesday's 4-1 win at Levante in the Copa del Rey.

The 35-year-old Puyol has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons and has lost his role as Barcelona's first-choice centre-back alongside Gerard Pique. He has made nine appearances for Barcelona this season.

Barcelona host Malaga on Sunday when they will look to defend their share of the Spanish league lead with Atletico Madrid.