Report: Carlos Puyol to start Copa del Rey final?

Barcelona skipper Carlos Puyol has reportedly made himself available for Wednesday's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid at Valencia's Mestalla stadium.

The long-serving centre-back, who will leave the Camp Nou on a free transfer at the end of the season, has struggled to overcome a succession of knee injuries this season.

However, a defensive crisis in the middle of the Barcelona back four could see the veteran defender take to the field against Los Blancos, according to AS.

Gerard Pique will miss the Copa final with a fractured pelvis, while Marc Bartra is also a doubt, leaving Javier Mascherano as the only other first-team option in central defence.

Puyol has not played for Barca since the beginning of March.