[WEEKEND HEADLINERS] Amid speculation that Ronaldinho is unhappy and wants to move after starting the last two games on the bench, Barcelona played up the Brazilian's value to the team. Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic played down talk of Inter Milan walking away with another Italian league title. Embattled Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce hopes the Magpies can build upon Wednesday's 1-1 draw with English Premier League leader Arsenal. In Germany, leader Bayern Munich is considering its winter moves with the mid-season break only two weeks away.

MATCH/BARCELONA-DEPORTIVO CORUNA
Barcelona welcomes back Samuel Eto'o, who is expected to start against Coruna on Saturday after a three-month layoff with a thigh injury, but the big story at La Liga's second-place team concerns the status of Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian has come off the Barca bench for the last two games, further fueling speculation that he might be on his way out during the January transfer window. With brother and agent Roberto de Assis in Barcelona this week, reports have appeared in the Barcelona press that Ronaldinho's situation is now "untenable." "Because of circumstances of injuries and because of travel with his national team," says Barca president Joan Laporta, "he hasn't been at full strength in training and hasn't found his rhythm, but I don't believe he's a substitute. He's a key player, and Rijkaard knows it."

Laporta was, of course, referring to Barca coach Frank Rijkaard, viewed in some quarters to be the bad guy in the Ronaldinho saga.

"I'm working so that we see the best Ronaldinho return and that it will be with Barcelona," Rijkaard said. "Now he has to concentrate and show what a great player he is. And that is what he is doing."

TV
GOL TV, BARCELONA-DEPORTIVO CORUNA, Saturday (live), 3 pm ET.

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Tags: The Ronaldinhosoap Operasoccerfo Otball

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