FC Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard explained in the official pre-match press conference that Barca will have to work hard and battle for the 3 points. Despite of the absence of Zigic and Munitis, Racing Santander can not be taken lightly. Zigic and Munitis will miss Sunday's clash due to yellow card suspension and Rijkaard admitted that they were important players for Racing. The Dutch coach also demanded patience with the star players Messi and Eto'o, who have come back from injury. Rijkaard believes that Sammy could need more time to get back to his best than young Leo.
Rijkaard also felt, that dropping Gudjohnsen is a big deal.

They are two important players, which is something we are aware of, but just because those two players are absent, it doesn't mean that the others will be sleeping.

You have to consider such injuries carefully, as a knee injury is very complicated for a player. I see Eto'o improving every day and working hard to get back into form as soon as possible. Messi, meanwhile, is not having any more trouble, is improving physically, and is ready to help the team. He is a high quality player. Skills-wise he is exquisite, but 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.

When selecting 18 players, somebody has to be discarded. It is something we decide from game to game. I have three forwards and we need them all to be in form.