BARCELONA - Ronaldinho will be absent for the second game running when Barcelona host Real Zaragoza on Wednesday.
The Brazil playmaker missed the Catalan side's 2-1 win over Sevilla on Saturday after "injuring a leg in training" and will not reappear in his club's next Primera Liga encounter at the Nou Camp.
Prior to the South American's injury, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard substituted the former two-time FIFA World Player of the Year in the games against Osasuna and Lyon.
Many claim that Ronaldinho's injury was conveniently invented to cover up his below-par performances of late, amid reports over his lifestyle and training regime.
The 27-year-old has also been linked with a move to Chelsea in January, but Rijkaard dismissed all of these reports.
"It has never crossed my mind that he would leave. He is injured and is working hard to get back to fitness. There is no more to it that that," he said on Tuesday.
The Dutch coach also heaped praise on his number 10, saying that the team would not be where they are today without Ronaldinho's influence over the last few seasons.
"Things are forgotten very quickly in football. Ronaldinho has been of incredible value to the team. Thanks to him and what he has transmitted, we are where we are today," he said.
Rijkaard also claimed his player would soon return to his brilliant best.
"We are all human and he is no different. But once he is feeling good, we will again see the player we all know and love, I have no doubt about that," he said.
Captain Carles Puyol, striker Samuel Eto'o and midfielder Edmilson are all still sidelined and will play no part on Wednesday.
Basque forward Santi Ezquerro has been recalled in place of Iceland striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, while youngsters Giovani Dos Santos and Bojan Krkic keep their places in the squad.
Barcelona have won their two home games in the Primera Liga this season and picked up two draws away from the Nou Camp.
The Catalans sit two points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid after four rounds of La Liga.
Zaragoza are in ninth following a slow start to the season which has seen Victor Fernandez's side lose to newly-promoted Murcia on the opening day, before drawing 1-1 with both Racing Santander and Athletic Bilbao.
However, the club did achieve their first win of the season last weekend with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Osasuna, which saw them move into the top half of the table.
Against Barcelona, Fernandez is looking for a more complete performance from his side.
"We need to try and play a complete game in defence and attack, make sure we pass the ball out well from the back and above all, play without fear or a complex," he said on Tuesday.
Barcelona and Zaragoza played four times last season, with each side winning twice, and Fernandez believes his team can take a lot out of those matches.
"There was little to choose between the teams. There were two even sides trying to take the initiative and play good football. We did well then and have nothing to fear this time around," he said.
Defender Sergio Fernandez took a blow to the nose against Osasuna, but has received treatment in hospital and will be able to face Barcelona.
Midfielder David Generelo is sidelined for two months.
