The 24-year-old missed training without permission on Thursday, and had a meeting with the club's management later in the day. He was left out of the squad to face Real Madrid in the Nou Camp on Saturday.

"It isn't a punishment. I have given him time to rest and recuperate so that he can return in a few days full of energy again," Rijkaard told a news conference.

"He isn't injured or ill. He's going through a difficult moment and is not at ease with himself. This is a move to help one of our players."

Rijkaard gave no explanation as to what Motta's problems were. Motta has been left out of the club's previous three squads.

"It is the type of thing that can happen in any company, and isn't the only time I have done this," Rijkaard added.

"It isn't easy to be a Barcelona player and this decision is for the good of him and the team. He is a good person who I get on well with, and he has always been one of my favourite players. But after a long time here things have become difficult for him."