Soccer
Ronaldinho and Deco again missing from Barcelona squad
By DPA
Jan 11, 2008, 15:20 GMT

Madrid - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard announced on Friday his squad for Saturday's league game at home to Murcia, with Ronaldinho and Deco again absent.

Neither player has turned out for Barca in 2008 due to minor injuries, amidst rumours about them being sold by the Catalan giants.

On Thursday, Rijkaard was visibly irritated when several reporters cast doubts upon the true nature of their injuries.

Deco is, officially, suffering from pain in the adductor muscle in his left leg. Ronaldinho, for his part, has tendinitis in his left knee.

Barca's other injury victims are Jose Edmilson, Lionel Messi and Oleguer Presas. Yaya Toure has already left for the African Nations Cup, Samuel Eto'o will follow him after the Murcia match.

Barca are second in La Liga, seven points behind leaders Real Madrid.