MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has ommitted Brazilian star Ronaldinho from his 16-man line-up for Wednesday's return leg of the club's King's Cup last 32 match against third division Alcoyano.

The unsettled 27-year midfielder did not take part in Barcelona's first training session of 2008 on Tuesday because he was sufferring with tendinitis in his left knee, the club said on its Internet site.

Ronaldinho, the 2006 Ballon d'Or winner, has struggled to make an impact this season, leading to press speculation that he has fallen out with Barcelona officials and could be on his way out of the Catalan club.

Barcelona beat Alcoyano 3-0 in the first leg and are in second place in the 20-team Spanish league with 34 points, seven points behind leaders and defending champions Real Madrid.