Resting players against Real not an option for Rijkaard

MADRID, Mar 31 (Reuters) Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard says he will not be resting players for tomorrow's big game against Real Madrid in order to save them for next week's Champions League quarter-final with Benfica.

The Primera Liga leaders host second-placed Real in the Nou Camp and then play their second leg against Benfica on Wednesday after drawing 0-0 in Lisbon.

''Everyone who is fit will play, I will not rest players,'' Rijkaard told sports daily Sport today.

''Anyway, I don't have a big enough squad to do rotations with the injuries we have.

''Everyone wants to play this game. I would only rest a player if the following game was the Champions League final when I would need to be more practical.'' Rijkaard rested Brazil forward Ronaldinho and Portugal midfielder Deco before the first leg against Benfica - and it showed as they were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom club Malaga last weekend.

Barca are without the injured Rafael Marquez and Edmilson in defence, along with livewire Argentine forward Lionel Messi, for Saturday's game.

Rijkaard added: ''We are defending the club's honour against Real. Our fans expect a lot and we can't let them down.'' Barca hold an 11-point lead over Real with eight matches left this season.

REUTERS DH HT1550