Ronaldinho claims injury, misses Sevilla game

Spanish giants Barcelona announced on Saturday evening that Ronaldinho had injured his right leg in training and would not play later on Saturday against Sevilla.

The club's official medical bulletin claims that the Brazilian megastar was suffering from "pain in his right leg" and would be out of action "for a few days".

The alleged injury will only add to the confusion and controversy concerning Ronaldinho's mental and physical condition, amidst rumours of an inappropriate nightlife and an inadequate training regime.

On Friday Barca coach Frank Rijkaard said that Ronaldinho needed to show a "reaction" to all the criticism he was receiving about his poor form and condition.

At the same time, though, Rijkaard insisted that he believed the player when the latter denied all the allegations about his nightlife.

Ronaldinho's absence will cast a shadow over the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Barca's Camp Nou stadium, which will take place before the Sevilla match. dpa ds gb