Barcelona denies Ronaldinho has mononucleosis

FC Barcelona has denied a report that Ronaldinho has mononucleosis.

Photo: Barcelona denies Ronaldinho has mononucleosis

Barcelona said the Brazil forward has been on a course of antibiotics after a recent bout of tonsillitis, but is now on a personal training program to help him recover.

"He is one of the players in the squad who has played the most games this season," Barcelona said in a statement posted on its Web site.

"This fact, combined with his recent tonsillitis, has led the technical staff and the trainers to set up a plan which requires morning and evening sessions in the gym and on the Camp Nou playing field."

Radio Barcelona had said the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year had the more serious condition of mononucleosis - also known as glandular fever - which is characterized by a sore throat and muscles, fatigue and fever.

Ronaldinho was sidelined for Sunday's league victory over Mallorca and was ruled out of the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Getafe later Wednesday.

Barcelona, which leads the league by four points with eight games remaining, visits Villarreal on Sunday.