Ronaldinho returns as Barca looks to take La Liga lead

Jan 12, 2007, 23:22 GMT

Barcelona, Spain - Barcelona will have Ronaldinho back for its La Liga contest Saturday at Espanyol.

The Brazilian superstar missed the team's last two matches - last weekend's 1-1 tie with Getafe due to suspension and Wednesday's Copa del Ray first leg because the team chose to rest him.

Ronaldinho's return comes at the perfect time for the defending champions as they look to gain ground on league-leading Sevilla. The Andalusian side hold a two-point lead on the defending champions with an extra game played.

Even with the return of its best player, Barca is hurting on the injury front. Midfielder Deco will miss the match because of a muscle strain while Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o are still out with long-term injuries.

Barca head coach Frank Rijkaard will probably keep Xavi and Andres Iniesta in midfield, with either Thiago Motta or Edmilson playing the defensive midfield role.

Up top, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Ludovic Giuly will probably play alongside Ronaldinho.

Espanyol's side - currently in the top 10 - is unlikely to have any changes from the squad on the field in last week's 1-0 loss to Recreativo.

In the other La Liga contest Saturday, fourth-placed Valencia hosts fifth- from-the-bottom Levante.

On Sunday, leader Sevilla hosts fourth-from-the-bottom Mallorca, fifth-placed Real Zaragoza travels to third-placed Real Madrid, sixth-placed Atletico travels to Celta, last-placed Gimnastic de Tarragona hosts eighth-placed Getafe, ninth-placed Osasuna hosts third-from-the-bottom Real Betis, 13th- placed Racing hosts second-from-the-bottom Real Sociedad and 11th-placed Villarreal travels to Athletic.

The highlight of Sunday's slate will be the Zaragoza at Real contest.

THIS WEEKEND'S SPANISH LA LIGA FIXTURES:

SATURDAY

Espanyol - Barcelona

Valencia - Levante

SUNDAY

Tarragona - Getafe

Celta - Atletico

Osasuna - Betis

Racing - Real Sociedad

Athletic - Villarreal

Sevilla - Mallorca

Real Madrid - Zaragoza

Recreativo - Deportivo

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