Rivaldo sits out Brazil friendly

Rivaldo has said he will miss Brazil's exhibition match with a Catalan representative side in Barcelona.

Rivaldo, who has not played for the last month due to a right knee injury, said Brazil's medical staff were not prepared to take any risks on his fitness.

"I'm okay now, but I've been left out so I'll be fine for the next game with Malaysia," the 30-year-old said.

Reports have claimed Rivaldo is at the center of a debate between Barcelona and Brazil over his level of fitness, although any decisions about when he plays will now be taken by Brazil.

Brazil's doctor, Jose Luiz Runco, has insisted the forward is close to fitness, but his counterpart at Barcelona, Ricard Pruna - who has supplied Brazil with a detailed report on Rivaldo's injury - has said he would prefer him to take a further two-week break from action.