Rijkaard is apparently losing patience with the under-fire Brazilian, who is still sidelined with a mystery injury and has been spotted out at night in Barcelona on numerous occasions over the last few months.

The Dutchman has had to field questions regarding his star player's commitment ever since the forward's form dipped halfway through last season, and it looks as if he is finally tiring of defending the Brazilian.

Instead, Rijkaard would like the focus to return to matters on the pitch, starting against Real Betis on Saturday.

"It is better to not talk any more about this and concentrate on tomorrow's game," he said on Friday.

"We hope he is back with us soon and that he will be able to play again when he is physically able.

"His leg is hurting and he cannot play at the moment. But the squad, the players and the club, we are all behind him."

Rijkaard was further irritated by questions on whether Ronaldinho would ever play in Barcelona colours again and declined to answer.

Newspaper reports in Spain claim the player will be allowed to leave for as little as 16million euros at the end of the current campaign, despite his release clause of 125million euros.

The Dutch coach also refused to give any credence to former Barcelona player Thiago Motta's criticism of the way president Joan Laporta and technical secretary Txiki Beguiristain have handled Ronaldinho.

"I don't like to enter into what other people say. We are working with common sense and enthusiasm but there will always be opinions (from others)," he said.

Rijkaard will also be without Lionel Messi, Deco, Rafael Marquez and Gabi Milito for the clash with Betis but Yaya Toure, Carles Puyol and Giovani Dos Santos should overcome knocks.

Thierry Henry is also available again despite missing France's midweek friendly against England through injury.

Barcelona sit four points behind Real Madrid in the race for the Primera Liga title and need a victory to maintain the pressure on their bitter rivals.

However, Rijkaard expects a tough game against Betis.

"They always play well against us. They have good players, are dangerous on the attack and we will we need to pay a lot of attention to that, try to play our own game and be aggressive in their half of the pitch," he said.

Betis' Manuel Ruiz de Lopera stadium was closed by the Spanish FA for two games after Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Armando Ribeiro was struck by a bottle thrown by a fan at the arena two weeks ago.

However, the club appealed against the decision and will be allowed to play Saturday's game at their home ground.

Betis coach Francisco Chaparro welcomes back Ricardo and Juande but will be without suspended duo Arzu and Fernando Vega.

Chaparro says his club have tried to put speculation over the game's location aside and focus on winning.

"We have not paid attention to it. We have prepared ourselves for the game against Barcelona. The three points are fundamental for us and we have prepared for that," he said.