Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard criticized the Spanish Football Federation for upholding the automatic one-match suspension of Ronaldinho against Valencia on Sunday. The Brazilian playmaker was handed a controversial red card in Barca's cup tie against Real Zaragoza. The Catalans appealed against the suspension but their request was turned down by discipline authorities. "It is a pity he can't take part because he doesn't deserve to be punished," Rijkaard told Spanish paper El Mundo Deportivo on Sunday. "Ronaldinho has always represented sportsmanship on the field and he shouldn't miss this game because of an incorrect decision." Barcelona also play without Portuguese midfielder Deco and Argentinean sensational Lionel Messi in the decisive game due to injury.
Eto'o Eto'o back But the Spanish title holders welcome back their top scorer Samuel Eto'o whom they missed for almost a month during the African Cup of Nations. The Dutch manager believes that having the Cameroon forward back is good news for Barcelona. "Eto'o is 100% fit and ready to take part in the game. His presence and desire will be an extra motivation for the team," Rijkaard said. Eto'o found the net 18 times for Barcelona in La Liga this season and continued his impressive scoring display in the Nations Cup, registering five goals and crowned as the tournament top scorer despite Cameroon suffering a quarter-finals exit. Rijkaard's side are seven points clear at the top of the standings and enjoy an nine-point lead on Valencia.
