Soccer: Rivaldo's race to face reds

Rivaldo is struggling for fitness ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Liverpool.

The Brazil forward could miss the game after limping out of Sunday’s training session with a problem in his right knee.

‘‘It could be caused by an inflammation of the internal ligament,’’ said club doctor Richard Pruna, who will make a statement later today on the injury.

‘‘We will try to get him fit for Wednesday’s game.’’

Rivaldo could play on painkillers as he did during his side’s 3-0 hammering by Roma a fortnight ago.

However, that experience and the fact Barcelona play Real Madrid, in what is a make-or-break game for their league title hopes, next weekend could count against him playing.

Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Real Betis which left Barca, seven points off the pace in the Primera Liga, means a win over their biggest rivals is a must and could result in Carles Rexach opting for the pace of former Arsenal winger Marc Overmars over Rivaldo’s guile.

The player himself may decide that the effort is not worthwhile after complaining last week that the fans do not appreciate it when he plays while injured.

The 29-year-old was booed by Barca fans in the 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo in December when not 100% fit.