Barca have been affected by a series of absentees this season with the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Deco all unavailable for prolonged spells.

And the team's form understandably has suffered as a consequence.

But Barca's treatment room is now almost empty, and it can be no coincidence that results have also improved, with Rijkaard's men now unbeaten in 14 competitive matches and having won five of their last six.

"We have always continued working and creating chances, but now we have the players in good physical condition and this is important," said the Dutchman.

Rijkaard was talking following his side's 5-1 demolition of bottom club Levante on Sunday, a result which helped Barca move to within two points of Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid.

That gap was at nine points just a month ago but Rijkaard, who has been under pressure this season as Real charged away at the summit, knows that the title race is no longer out of his side's hands due to the fact that they still have to play Real at the Bernabeu.

"We are on a good run and our objective is to give a good image and win all the games that are remaining," added Rijkaard, whose side are still going for glory in the Champions League and Copa del Rey this season.

Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta believes it was vital his side built on their impressive 3-2 Champions League victory over Celtic with another decent performance against Levante.

"This game was very important. The team won and played well, following on the path from Wednesday," he said.

"Now we are well positioned. What is important is that the team continues being confident and playing it's own way."

Barca playmaker Messi, who scored his side's crucial second goal in the 44th minute after Levante had equalised just moments before, added on his club's website: "It has been a difficult game which was complicated when they were level.

"But we have played well and reacted like we did in Glasgow. It is important that we are doing things well."