FCBARCELONA.CAT

10.02.2007 20:00

Rijkaard not convinced despite Racing injuries

Munitis and Zigic are out, but as Frank Rijkaard says "the other players won't be asleep". He also said that time is needed before we can expect the best from Barça's returning stars.

Racing are theoretically easy pickings, especially with the notable absences of forwards Munitis and Zigic. But Frank Rijkaard sees no reason for overconfidence. He actually feels that the fact those players are missing gives added motivation to Miguel Ángel Portugal's side "They are two important players, which is something we need to think about. Just because those two are missing doesn't mean the others will be sleeping."

Different injuries

Eto'o and Messi are both back, but will they be able to show their best form? Rijkaard reminded listeners that they are coming back from very different injuries. "You have to take the types of injury into account" he said. "A knee injury is a lot more complicated for a player. I see Eto'o getting better day by day and working hard to get back to form as soon as possible. As for Messi, he is not having any more trouble and is improving physically, and ready to help the team".

Exquisite skills

Frank Rijkaard is amazed at what the Argentinian is doing after such a long time on the sidelines. "He is a high quality player. Skills-wise he is exquisite". But that was in a training match, and La Liga is another matter entirely. "We shouldn't forget that he needs time to get back into the rhythm of things. So playing a whole game or just a part of it is not as easy at it seems. He needs to recover his form and get back into the rhythm of playing games".

Gudjohnsen dropped

With Eto'o and Messi back, Eidur Gudjohnsen has been left off the team-sheet and the Barça coach was quizzed on this. "When selecting 18 players, somebody has to be discarded" he explained. "It is something we decide from game to game. I have three forwards and we need them all to be on form".