Saviola unlikely to return to Barca
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-16 10:35

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard says it is unlikely Argentine striker Javier Saviola, on loan at Monaco, will return to the Primera Liga side next season.

Saviola: No Nou Camp return. [GettyImages]

"He is a great player, he has a contract with Barca and we are evaluating the situation to try and resolve it at present," Rijkaard told sports daily Sport on Wednesday.

But when asked if Saviola was going to feature in his plans for next season Rijkaard added: "Unfortunately we have to work with a small squad and not with 40 players."

Barca have Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, the club's top scorer last season, Argentine Maxi Lopez and Sweden's Henrik Larsson in their squad.

With press reports linking Barcelona to Arsenal's Thierry Henry, Sevilla's Julio Baptista and Real Betis winger Joaquin the 23-year-old's chances of a return to the Nou Camp look remote.

The former River Plate striker is reportedly a target for Primera Liga club Atletico Madrid, who are eager to team Saviola up with Spain international Fernando Torres.

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