MSN back for Athletic

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar have been included in Barcelona’s squad to face Athletic Bilbao, despite their extended Christmas break.

MSN, along with Gerard Pique, were granted extra time off by Luis Enrique and only returned to training on Tuesday, but the quartet are in contention for Thursday’s Copa del Rey last-16 first leg.

Jasper Cillessen is Barca’s only injury-enforced absence, while Denis Suarez, Aleix Vidal and Jeremy Mathieu are omitted on technical grounds.

Barcelona squad for Athletic: Ter Stegen, Masip; Pique, Rakitic, Sergio, Arda, Iniesta, Suarez, Messi, Neymar, Rafinha, Mascherano, Alcacer, Alba, Digne, Sergi, Gomes, Umtiti