Barcelona have warned Chelsea off Ronaldinho - officially.

There have also been reports linking the 27-year-old Ronaldinho with a move away from the Nou Camp, with Chelsea being suggested as a possible destination.

However, Barca have looked to quash those rumours in a three-point statement which they released on Wednesday evening.

The statement read: "In the face of the avalanche of information and opinions about the absence of first team player Ronaldinho from the last two league games, Barcelona wishes to clarify:

"That the absence of the player is strictly medical. Specifically related to a calf problem in his right leg, as was officially announced last Saturday.

"That the player, the same as the rest of the players at the club, has the support of all the organisation to recover from his physical problems.

"That Ronaldinho is considered a basic piece of the current sporting project and, as such, there are no plans other than for his continuity in the first team."