Deco doubtful for Schalke opener

Deco is rated a major doubt for FC Barcelona's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against FC Schalke 04 after suffering a pulled thigh muscle.

The Portuguese international midfielder has not played a competitive game since appearing in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League first knockout round tie against Celtic CF on 4 March, and has now been signed off for 15 days with a sore muscle in his right thigh. It is touch and go whether the 30-year-old will be fit in time for the first leg against Schalke in Gelsenkirchen on 1 April, but he should be fit for the return eight days later. Deco has played in 15 league games this season, scoring once, and four more in the UEFA Champions League.