Gunners give Deco cause for concern

FC Barcelona midfielder Deco believes Arsenal FC could mount a real challenge in the UEFA Champions League this season after impressing during the group stage.

Arsenal impress
Deco was in the Barcelona side that defeated the Gunners 2-1 in the 2006 UEFA Champions League final and with both teams already safely through to the knockout stage he expects them to pose a serious threat again, especially if they are pipped to first place in their group by Sevilla FC. "There are some clubs I'd like to avoid in the draw, such as whoever finishes second in the Liverpool [FC] and [FC] Porto group, as well as Arsenal, if they end up finishing behind Sevilla," he said. "So far, Arsenal are the side that have impressed me most in this season's Champions League. But getting to the final is a different story."

Ronaldinho praise
Writing in the latest entry in his uefa.com diary, Deco adds that Kaká was a "deserved winner" of this year's Ballon d’Or, before rallying behind the man who won the award in 2005, Ronaldinho. "Speaking of great players, I want to point out that Ronaldinho still is one of the best, despite the criticism he has been receiving in Spain. Our coach decided to bench him lately, but I think things will be back to normal soon. He is motivated and training well. He's always had to earn his place and that's no different now. We will need Ronaldinho fit for next year's Champions League matches."

Return to action
Deco has been out of action with a thigh muscle injury since the end of October, but the Portugal international could return for Sunday's home match against RC Deportivo La Coruña as second-placed Barcelona look to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid CF. "After so many weeks injured, I am finally very close to coming back," he said. "I hope to get some minutes on the pitch this weekend against Deportivo. If it doesn't happen, I will have some pitch time in our last UEFA Champions League group match against [VfB] Stuttgart. It will be a good match to get into my rhythm, as we are already first in the group and it's not decisive. It is good news for me."

To read Deco's Diary in full in the uefa.com Magazine, click here.