The Brazilian was absent from training on Friday and has been excluded from the party for Saturday's match, but Rijkaard revealed that his illustrious number 10 may yet join up with the squad for the trip to face Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"He has yet to arrive. Above all, I would like to speak to him and evaluate his physical condition after so much travelling. If he feels good, we may travel with 19 players," Rijkaard said on Friday.

Mexico forward Giovani Dos Santos played against Guatemala on Wednesday, but was back in time for training on Friday and may replace Ronaldinho against Villarreal.

"He is here and had a light training session to recover (from the journey)," Rijkaard said.

The Dutch coach refused to reveal whether the Mexican, or Spanish starlet Bojan Krkic, will start if Ronaldinho is rested.

"Any player training with the first team can start at any time. They are all prepared, but it depends on the circumstances," he said.