Barca boss claims veteran defender is 'suffering' to get back to full fitness as soon as possible after tendinitis, with club medics warning centre-back to take it easy

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has commented on the progress of Carles Puyol's return from injury, explaining that the defender is eager to get back on the field as soon as possible.

However, according to Spanish mastermind, the tendinitis from which the Blaugrana captain is suffering must be treated with patience.

The 32-year-old centre-back has been sorely missed at times for Barcelona and as Puyol attempts to ready himself for a return his comeback date has been continuously pushed back.

“Puyol every day makes the effort to get back into operation as soon as possible, he is suffering,” Guardiola was quoted as saying by Marca.

“He [Puyol] takes two steps forward and half a step back. The representatives of our medical service at the club have warned him that he had quite a serious injury. It will therefore be necessary to stock up on patience,” said the Barca tactician.

The Catalans will play host to Almeria this evening in La Liga without their dogged captain and face four Clasicos in two weeks against Real Madrid later this month.