Striker Samuel Eto`o has been named in Barcelona`s 18-man squad for Sunday`s match at home against Athletic Bilbao.
Earlier in February Eto`o refused to come on as a substitute against Racing Santander telling coach Frank Rijkaard he needed a longer warm-up.
The three-times African Player of the Year was then left out of the squad for the matches against Valencia and Liverpool at his own request.
The Cameroon international has been out for four months following knee surgery.
"Samuel told me he is ready to play and that means he is feeling good
again," said Rijkaard.
"Personally I think he still needs time to recover full fitness."
Rijkaard also defended Brazilian international Ronaldinho who has been criticised in the media for being overweight after photos taken following the Liverpool match appeared to show him with a roll of fat around his waist.
"He is a player who has always performed well for the team and it is a shame that some people are turning against him," said the Dutchman.
"The players have huge confidence in him because of his skill and also because he is a great team-mate."
