International duty this week will mean Rijkaard will have a nightmare preparing his side to face Racing Santander next weekend.

In fact what the Spanish call the Fifa virus means that there will be just seven squad members available for Rijkaard with the rest returning on Thursday. They have been given the later kick-off time of 7pm on Sunday though to give them a little more rest.

Also around will be Motta and Ezquerro but with them both on the way out of the club its doubtful they will be flying to Santander. Motta's looking to Italy with AC Milan and Juventus interested while for Ezquerro he has been linked to the slightly less prestigous Derby County.

Of the new recruits Thierry Henry and Abidal will play for France against Slovakia; Milito will be in action for Argentina against Norway and the Ivory Coast's Toure will face Egypt.