Rijkaard rests Ronaldinho ahead of Milan match

MADRID, Apr 13 (Reuters) Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has rested Ronaldinho for a second league match in a row ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final, first leg against AC Milan.

Rijkaard left Ronaldinho out of the squad for tomorrow's league match against Villarreal because he is suffering from muscle pains in his right thigh.

The Brazilian also missed last week's 2-2 draw against Racing Santander.

Barca will also be without midfielder Thiago Motta and Argentine forward Lionel Messi because of injury.

Mexican centre-back Rafael Marquez was included in the squad after making an earlier than expected recovery from a torn thigh muscle. Fellow defender Carles Puyol will be available after having a one-match suspension provisionally lifted on appeal.

Reuters PDS GC1839