Barcelona want to keep Eto'o and Toure during Nations Cup

"I don't know if they'll go and I hope they don't but we can't force them," Barca sports director Txiki Begiristain told Spanish radio station RAC1.

Both players have been ruled out with long-term injuries since the beginning of the season. Eto'o was submitted to a surgery in his thigh while Toure was sidelined with a thigh injury.

"For Eto'o it would be a strange year. Injury, recovery and then international duty. I asked Toure before we signed him," added Begiristain.

It's a very critical situation for the duo and most of the Africans in this period of the year as the pressure raise on them before each Nations Cup.

"Ronaldinho did not go to the Copa America (in June) and it was a brave decision. But I understand how important they are for their countries," added the Barca sporting director.

The Catalans hope to recover form and glory after ending last season with no silverware.