Abidal: I don't want midfield role

Barcelona are facing an injury crisis and defender Eric Abidal admits they will need to somehow find a way to cope with the “physical” challenge posed by Rangers.

But Abidal insists the answer is not for manager Frank Rijkaard to push him forward to bulk up the midfield.

Left-back Abidal is fearing another costly defeat, having already been beaten twice on international duty by Scotland in the past 13 months.

“I have played against Scotland for France and we have lost twice,” said the 28-year-old former Lyon player.

“They play very aggressive football, it is much more physical.”

Barcelona have ruled playmaker Deco out for five weeks, striker Samuel Eto’o is still sidelined, and Yaya Toure, Gianluca Zambrotta, Edmilson and Rafael Marquez will also miss tomorrow’s Champions League Group E clash.

They could be light in midfield, in terms of a ball-winner, but Abidal said: “I am a defender, not a midfielder. I am not used to playing in midfield.

“To be honest, it’s not a position I fancy very much. There are players that can cover that area and it is up to the boss to decide which of us will have to do that.”

Deco admits Barcelona’s players, who visited Scotland on a pre-season tour and played matches against Dundee United and Hearts, may have pushed themselves too hard and paid the price.

He said on www.fcbarcelona.com: “I am no doctor but when we put in a lot of effort and play lots of games you reach the point where your body has hit its limit and that’s when injuries occur.”