Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard will give youth a chance up front against Valladolid in the Primera Liga on Thursday.

With Thierry Henry missing due to an Achilles injury picked up in Sunday's match against Almeria and Samuel Eto'o still sidelined, Rijkaard must choose between Spanish starlet Bojan Krkic and Mexico forward Giovani Dos Santos in the centre forward role.

Rijkaard claims he knows which of the two he is likely to field at Valladolid on Thursday, but refused to reveal his choice on Wednesday.

"Bojan has a lot of quality, but we shouldn't compare him with Giovani Dos Santos, who works more on the wings. I have my ideas for this game, but I want to consult the rest of my technical staff," he said.

Meanwhile, Rijkaard is unlikely to leave Ronaldinho on the bench despite the Brazilian's poor form of late.

Club president Joan Laporta had said that the most in-form players should start for the Catalan side, but Rijkaard clearly disagrees with his boss.

"I don't see it like that. I take that phrase as a wish from the president for Barcelona to work in the best way possible and it shows his commitment to the team," he said.

The Dutch coach also reiterated his faith in Ronaldinho, who has come in for heavy criticism following a string of disappointing performances this season.

"I understand all of the arguments and the opinions, but for me there is no issue with Ronaldinho. He is still an important player, fundamental for the club and his team-mates.

"He makes the difference and is working to get back to his best form. A day will come when nobody talks about this topic, because Ronaldinho has great quality to react and change this situation," he said.

Barcelona welcomed back injured trio Yaya Toure, Rafael Marquez and Gianluca Zambrotta against Almeria on Sunday, but will be missing several key players on Thursday.

As well as Henry and Eto'o, the Catalans will be without Portugal playmaker Deco and France full-back Eric Abidal.

Rijkaard insists the absences should represent "an added motivation" for his players.

Argentina winger Lionel Messi looks set to return to the side after coming off the bench to wrap up his side's victory with the second goal against Almeria on Sunday.

Barcelona currently lie fourth in the Primera Liga and will hope to close in on bitter rivals Real Madrid, who thrashed Valencia on Wednesday.

Valladolid already find themselves in a relegation battle.

The promoted side sit second from bottom of the table and striker Victor Fernandez admits his team need to tighten up at the back.

"We need to improve in defence. That is what has stopped us from climbing the table," he said on Wednesday.

However, the forward believes his side can make life difficult for Barcelona.

"They have got great players who can decide games, but if we are fully concentrated and at our best, we will make life difficult for them," he said.

Coach Jose Luis Mendilibar must decide between French goalkeeper Ludovic Butelle and Spanish custodian Alberto Lopez for Thursday's match.

Both have lacked form in recent weeks and Butelle looks set to return after Lopez's mistakes in the 2-2 draw at Osasuna on Sunday.