RONALDINHO MISSING FOR BARCA

Ronaldinho has failed to recover from a bout of tendonitis and will miss Barcelona's trip to Mallorca on Saturday evening.

Having been rested for Wednesday night's Copa del Rey draw at home to Third Division Alcoyano, the Brazilian forward had been expected to shake off the problem in time for Saturday's game as the Primera Liga resumes following its winter break.

However, the troubled number 10 was deemed unfit by Barcelona's medical staff on Friday and will sit out a league match for the seventh time this season.

With Argentinian winger Lionel Messi also out after picking up an injury last month, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard is likely to hand a start to Mexican youngster Giovani Dos Santos on the right-hand side of his three-pronged attack.

Catalan starlet Bojan Krkic and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry are also in contention for a place up front alongside Samuel Eto'o, but Giovani looks the most likely to start on the right, with Andres Iniesta moving forward to stand in for Ronaldinho on the left.

Edmilson is back in the squad following a long injury lay-off, while young Basque goalkeeper Oier Olazabal will be on the bench after usual reserve keeper Albert Jorquera picked up an injury last month.