Jose Manuel Pinto has been officially presented as a Barça player this evening (Friday) at Camp Nou. Pinto passed his medical this morning and signed this afternoon. Frank Rijkaard said that Pinto “is here to play and not just to train.” Pinto will train with the first team tomorrow and almost definitely be on the list for Sunday’s game at home to Racing. He has been given the number thirteen shirt to wear.

Barça fans may get a first chance to see Pinto in action in next week’s Copa Del Rey game at Villarreal. If he can prove to be a good signing, it may turn out that Albert Jorquera’s injury was a blessing in disguise. I’m afraid I never rated Jorquera much and I was very worried at how an injury to Valdés would affect the team’s fortunes if Jorquera was his substitute.

Meanwhile, Leo Messi still has not been given medical clearance to play, though this may happen tomorrow. Messi has trained with his teammates all week and reports say he is looking fine. Oleguer Presas has been given the ok after two months out with a hamstring injury and could be in the squad for Sunday’s game. Carles Puyol missed training with a heavy cold but should be in condition to play on Sunday. The news on Ronaldinho is not so good and he could be out for at least another two weeks.

I know many think Ronnie is faking it, but I have to say I think that is ridiculous. I have a friend who is a doctor who tells me that tendonitis can be very complicated and it is impossible to say how long the recuperation can take. The worst thing he could do is to come back before he is 100% fit. Unfortunately the pressure on him is unbearable and many so-called fans seem to be baying for his blood right now. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemies.