© Reuters 2002

RIO DE JANEIRO, Jan 23 (Reuters) - Inter Milan striker Ronaldo is almost certain to play for Brazil on February 6 when the former World Cup holders meet Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said on Wednesday. Ronaldo last played for his country more than two years ago in a friendly against the Netherlands in October 9 1999. "I have spoken to (Inter Milan coach) Hector Cuper, and he agrees that getting Ronaldo involved in the World Cup preparations will be good for his motivation," Scolari said.

Scolari said Ronaldo is "almost 100 per cent certain" to play for Brazil in Riyadh, but that no other Europe-based players were likely to feature.

With his Inter team mate Alvaro Recoba suffering a groin strain last weekend, Ronaldo could well find himself in action in Serie A as early as this Sunday's match against Venezia. The two-times World Player of the Year is struggling to regain peak form since rupturing his knee ligaments for a second time and missed the last month with a thigh strain.

But he joined the rest of the Inter squad at a training camp on the Spanish island of Majorca this week. "I am really happy to be able to live a new daily life with the rest of the squad," Ronaldo told Wednesday's edition of the Corriere Dello Sport newspaper.

"I'm available for the coach with Inter now at the top of the table." Inter currently lead Serie A with 41 points, one point ahead of Roma.

Ronaldo has scored three goals this season after recovering from two years of injuries which put his career in doubt. Inter coach Hector Cuper added: "I'm sure Ronaldo will return to the championship at the highest level. "It's difficult to avoid the enormous pressure and the big expectations that there were following his initial return."