RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan. 8 (Xinhua) -- The head coach of the Corinthians soccer team Mano Menezes said on Friday that star striker Ronaldo will not participate in the team's upcoming friendly match on January 13.

    Filling Ronaldo's position will be the fan favorite and idol at Corinthians, Marcelinho Carioca.

    The friendly was arranged as part of the deal made between Corinthians and the Argentinean team of Huracan who recently traded star player Defederico to Corinthians. The friendly was part of the negotiation.

    "Who ever is not physically ready will not play in the friendly. We began some rigorous workouts and some players will not be fit to participate. Certainly, Ronaldo will be quite a bit sorer than other players due to his minor hamstring injury that happened towards the end of last year," said Menezes.

    Another player at Corinthians who is most likely not to participate will be Roberto Carlos.

    "He is going through the tough process of readapting to Brazilian soccer and will probably not play," said Menezes.

    As the friendly was based on Defederico's trade from Huracan, he will be part of the Corinthians starting line-up in the match at Corinthians home stadium Pacaembu.