Carles Puyol has given up hope of being fit to represent Spain at Euro 2012 this summer.
The Barcelona centre-back is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines once he has undergone knee surgery this Saturday.
With the tournament due to get underway in the middle of next month, Puyol believes that it will be "impossible" for him to be considered for selection by coach Vicente Del Bosque.
"To be honest it's going to be very tough, but I have to wait and see how the operation goes," said the 34-year-old. "I think it's impossible.
"When you come out of an operation there is a recovery period and I believe that those who are in better shape should go."
Puyol made his debut for the Spanish national team against Holland in 2000.
