The Cameroon international, who is recovering fitness after a four-month absence following knee surgery, was named in an 18-man squad for Sunday's match at home to Athletic Bilbao.

Eto'o returned to action at the start of the month when he played the last five minutes of the 0-0 draw against Osasuna, but he refused to come on as a late substitute the following week against Racing Santander saying he needed a longer warm-up.

He was then left out of the squad for the matches against Valencia and Liverpool at his own request.

"Samuel told me he is ready to play and that means he is feeling good again," coach Frank Rijkaard told a news conference.

"Personally I think we'll have to wait and see tomorrow. He still needs time to recover full fitness."