The Portugal international was left on the bench for Saturday's 2-0 victory over Real Mallorca, with coach Frank Rijkaard admitting it was a "technical choice".

Deco has already admitted this could be his last season at the Nou Camp and has now lost his 'guaranteed' status in Rijkaard's plans.

This morning, Deco said: "I'm calm. I'm ready to play. But I have to accept being a substitute, although I didn't want to be on the bench in Mallorca."