Fri Apr 4 16:52:22 2008

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Barcelona hopes to regroup without Ronaldinho

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Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Ronaldinho will be sidelined for six weeks - likely the rest of the La Liga campaign - with a strained hamstring, adding even more concerns for struggling Barcelona down the stretch.

Barca slipped into third in Spain last week behind Real Madrid and Villarreal with just eight games remaining in the season.

Barcelona hosts Getafe, which tied German giants Bayern Munich 1-1 in the UEFA Cup on Thursday, in league play Sunday trying to snap out of a five-game funk. Barca has won just one of its last five league games, going 1-3-1 in the run.

Ronaldinho, a former World Player of the Year, has started only 13 of Barca's 30 league matches and hasn't played since March 9. But even though the club is used to playing without him, losing him for the rest of the season is tough.

Barcelona has no concerns about dropping out of a top-four spot and a berth in the Champions League, but a third-place finish would still be disappointing.

Without Ronaldinho, Barcelona is hoping Lionel Messi will return soon. But the Argentine star said he won't play until he's "100 percent."

"I am working well," Messi said. "I am calm and happy because things are going well. I have no pressure on me. I do not yet have a concrete date and I will only play again when I am 100 percent."

Young Bojan Krkic has played well in extended playing time but Messi cautioned too much pressure can not be put on emerging star.

"He is fine now and I am pleased, but he has to be left in peace," Messi said. "He cannot be put under so much pressure and he has to be left alone. That way he will improve even further."

Barcelona has also been dealing with the rumors about coach Frank Rijkaard. He will reportedly step down at the end of the season, although the coach and the team have denied the reports.

Getafe may also have a bit of a mental edge on Barcelona after winning, 2-0, earlier this season thanks to goals from Manu and Juan Albin.

This time, though, Barcelona will have the comfort of Camp Nou.

On Saturday, Mallorca hosts Real Madrid and Osasuna hosts Recreativo.

Also Sunday, Sevilla hosts Villarreal, Racing hosts Deportivo, Real Murcia hosts Valencia, Atletico Madrid hosts Almeria, Levante hosts Real Valladolid, Real Zaragoza hosts Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao hosts Espanyol.