MADRID (AFP) - Barcelona star Ronaldinho will be back in action from next week, meaning he should be fit to take his place in the Spanish Cup quarter-final return with Villareal, the club said Thursday.

"The player is currently in the final stages of his (physical) rehabilitation and the pain in his left knee has gone, as a result of which he will be ready to play next week," the Catalan club said in a statement.

"All the tests undertaken have given good results."

Ronaldinho has not played in 2008 owing to tendonitis in the knee and Barca have suffered over the six matches he has been away, with Real Madrid moving seven points clear in La Liga.