Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez is to postpone surgery on a knee injury until after the World Cup finals.

The Mexican has been a key figure in Barca's challenge for domestic and European honours this term, despite battling against ligament problems in his left knee for much of the campaign.

The 27-year-old knows that he will eventually need an operation, but with the climax of the Primera Liga season, the Champions League final and the World Cup finals on the horizon, he has no intention of taking a break now.

"I've felt much better, but the problems won't go away," Marquez told ESPN Deportes' RECORD.

"Little by little, however, the injury's getting better, and I've had less troubles. I hope to keep going like this as long as possible.

"If I require surgery I'll do it at the appropriate time, but right now it's evolving well. After the World Cup, some time will have to be made for surgery, but not now."