Eto'o was one of three high-profile Barca players - Deco and Ronaldinho being the others - seemingly on their way out of the Nou Camp when Guardiola outlined his intention to revamp the squad for the new season.

Deco and Ronaldinho have since left the club for Chelsea and AC Milan respectively but Eto'o remains on the Barca payroll.

He is reportedly holding out for a move to one of Manchester United, Chelsea, Internazionale or AC Milan but, as yet, no offer from that quartet has been forthcoming.

Eto'o started Barca's first friendly on their tour of the USA on the bench but came on at half-time and scored twice in a 5-2 defeat of Mexican side Chivas.

His contribution impressed Guardiola, who said afterwards: "He's with us and we'll use him. We know how good he is."

Thierry Henry is hopeful strike partner Eto'o will still be at the club when the new Primera Liga season gets under way at the end of August.

"Samuel is one of the best players in the world," said Henry.

"I don't know what's going on with the club because that's not my business, but Samuel is really important to us and always wants to win."

Defensive midfielder Rafael Marquez added: "Samuel has always had his place at Barca and he's working flat out which you have to respect."

Although Eto'o stole the limelight, Guardiola was pleased with his team's all-round display in Chicago.

He told club website, www.fcbarcelona.com: "We've done a really good job, as Chivas are one of the best sides in Mexico.

"We scored a lot of goals and defensively we've worked hard, which is absolutely essential.

"The feeling you get is that no matter who plays, the team is working well and that gives you peace of mind at the start of the season.

"The only bad thing was the two goals we let in; that's a heads-up which we have to talk about."