Coach Rijkaard is not taking any chances against Murcia.


The Dutchman raised he stakes by describing Murcia as well organised side. The Bluagrana can't afford to even draw any more games in the La Liga, and a win against Murcia at home in Camp Nou looks all but certain. However, Rijkaard is not following he crowd as the Barca tactician remains in a sobre and pensive mood before Barca's first match in the Camp Nou this year. Rijkaard spoke of Murcia:

They are a well organised team, which have a certain shape, and have wide men that come inside and cause problems. They also have a great team spirit and and are on form, so the team needs to prepare and find the mentality to get a result.

Read more:


FC Barcelona - Murcia: Coach Rijkaard's Pre-Match Comments.

Injury continues to plague the Blaugrana as the La Liga enters a decisive stage so early in the season.


Ronaldinho and Deco will still remain out of the squad when Barca file out against Real Murcia tonight. Ronnie still needs some time to recover and so does Deco, who has already started training with the team. Both last played for FC Barcelona in the el clasico on December 23, 2007 and have not featured since then. Recently, team captain Carles Puyol and vice-captain Xavi Hernandez spoke in favour of both players as they wished they will recover soon enough.


Santi Ezquerro and Sylvinho have been drafted to replace Ronaldinho and Deco to make up the squad numbers. Oier Olazabal will also replace injured Albert Jorquera as back-up for Keeper Victor Valdes.


FC Barcelona's coach Rijkaard has named his squad for the encouter and they include:


Goalkeepers: Valdes, Oier.


Defenders: Zambrotta, Puyol, Milito, Abidal, Thuram, Sylvinho.


Midfielders: Xavi, Marquez, Iniesta, Gudjohnsen.


Attackers: Bojan, Eto'o, Henry, Giovani, Ezquerro.


The Barca - Murcia match on January 12, kicks of at 20:00 hours at Camp Nou.