VILLARREAL - Ronaldinho has been left out of Barcelona's squad to face Villarreal on Saturday after returning late from international duty with Brazil.
The Brazilian was absent from training on Friday and has been excluded from the party for Saturday's match, but coach Frank Rijkaard revealed that his illustrious number 10 may yet join up with the squad for the trip to face Manuel Pellegrini's side.
"He has yet to arrive. Above all, I would like to speak to him and evaluate his physical condition after so much travelling. If he feels good, we may travel with 19 players," Rijkaard said on Friday.
Mexico forward Giovani Dos Santos played against Guatemala on Wednesday, but was back in time for training on Friday and may replace Ronaldinho against Villarreal.
"He is here and had a light training session to recover (from the journey)," Rijkaard said.
The Dutch coach refused to reveal whether the Mexican, or Spanish starlet Bojan Krkic, will start if Ronaldinho is rested.
"Any player training with the first team can start at any time. They are all prepared, but it depends on the circumstances," he said.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, Mexico defender Rafael Marquez, Italy full-back Gianluca Zambrotta and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure are all sidelined.
Brazil midfielder Edmilson has recovered from his long-term injury, but is lacking fitness and has been left out of the squad for Saturday's game.
With half of the squad on international duty and several players absent through injury, Catalan defender Oleguer admits preparations have been difficult this week.
"It is hard to train and prepare for a match with so many players absent, but that is what we have had to do. The circumstances are not ideal, but we'll just have to get on with it," he said on Thursday.
Barcelona lost the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season at El Madrigal and Rijkaard admits that defeat represents an "added motivation" for his side.
"We have to try and be stronger in the circumstances. Last season's defeat will give us an added motivation for the game and we must be at our best, because Villarreal always play well against us," he added.
Barcelona currently lie second in the Primera Liga, having won five and drawn two of their seven matches.
After a somewhat unconvincing start to the campaign, the Catalans have been in scintillating form of late, comfortably winning their last six games in all competitions and scoring 18 goals in the process.
Villarreal have also enjoyed an excellent start to the season.
Pellegrini's side have, like Barcelona, won five league games this term, but lost the other two and currently sit in third place after seven rounds of the championship.
The Chilean coach was full of praise for Barcelona on the eve of Saturday's match, but claims the Catalans can be beaten.
"Their squad is the greatest in Europe, with footballers capable of winning games on their own. Our aim is to go out and perform individually and collectively, and win the game," he said on Friday.
Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci could return from injury, but defender Gonzalo Rodriguez is sidelined and former Manchester United forward Giuseppe Rossi is suspended.
