MADRID, Jan 15 - Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o dismissed the idea that he was the key to solving the club's poor run of form when he returned to training on Monday, after over three months out with a knee injury.

"I'm not a saviour for anyone. I should just look to do my job so my coach is pleased with me," the Cameroon international told a news conference.

Eto'o tore the meniscus in his right knee during the 1-1 draw away to Werder Bremen in the Champions League on September 27.

After surgery, doctors said he would not return to action for five months but the 25-year-old has made a rapid recovery. Eto'o requested his first training session with the squad should be behind closed doors.

"I'm not going to set a date for when I will return to play. When I do I will be 100 percent. I don't want to return any other way," he added.

"I'm keen to play again but I also want to enjoy this sport for many years to come, so I am not about to risk my knee for the sake of two or three days."

In his absence Barca have qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League and are second in the Primera Liga, two points adrift of leaders Sevilla, with a game in hand.

But in recent games they have clearly missed the predatory instincts and fighting spirit of their leading scorer from the last two seasons.

They have drawn two and lost won in the league, with Saturday's 3-1 mauling at city rivals Espanyol, particularly painful.

"These things happen. We have just reached the half way point of the league so there is still along way to go. We'll see where we are at the end of the season," Eto'o said.

It is thought the striker might return to action in the league in two weeks time when Barca host Celta Vigo. On February 21 Barca are at home to Liverpool in the next round of the Champions League.

Eto'o is line for a record breaking fourth consecutive African Footballer of the Year award when the winner of a shortlist of five is announced later this week.

Barca also expect Argentine forward Lionel Messi to return to training with the squad at the end of the month, after recovering from a broken metatarsal.