MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has included the club's under-fire Brazilian star Ronaldinho in his 19-man line-up for Tuesday's Champions League match against German side Stuttgart.

"Having missed the last three league matches, against Sevilla, Real Zaragoza and Levante, Ronaldinho is back," the club said in a statement.

Barcelona's official line is that a calf strain has kept the 27-year-old out of the last three matches, but Spanish media claim the club are tired of the 2005 Footballer of the Year's relatively poor form.

The player himself is said to be upset about repeated gossip regarding his private life amid reports that late night outings are hurting his performances on the pitch.

Last week Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, admitted the player had experienced "a difficult period" and didn't rule out a possible departure despite his contract until 2010.

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol defended Ronaldinho, calling him "the team's flagship player".

"Ronaldinho has always faced up to his responsibilities," he told reporters after Barcelona's crushing 4-1 win over Levante on Saturday.

Ronaldinho joined Barcelona in 2003 and his silky skills have helped them to two league titles and the Champions League in 2006. He has scored 64 goals in 131 games for Barcelona.

Rijkaard also included Mexican centre-back Rafa Marquez, who missed the match against Levante because of an injury to his achilles tendon, in his squad against Stuttgart, the club said.

Ivory Coast midfielder Toure Yaya meanwhile was ruled out for four weeks after tests revealed he has a torn muscle in his left leg.