Barcelona manager Luis Enrique has confirmed that Luis Suarez will feature in Barcelona B’s friendly against Indonesia under-19s tomorrow. The Barca boss informed the Spanish press that the striker will use the match as a way to build up his fitness.
Suarez will be eligible to play for Barcelona’s senior squad on October 25th, after the completion of his four-month ban for biting Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during this summer’s World Cup. It is expected that the former Liverpool striker will make his La Liga debut against Real Madrid at that time.
The Uruguay international had his ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in August. But the court felt that FIFA’s ban on all football-related activity was “excessive”, since it would have had an impact at the conclusion of the striker’s suspension.
Suarez has continued to serve his La Liga and international ban; but he is allowed to attend matches, train and feature in club friendlies.
The £75m signing made his club debut in mid-August when he came on as a substitute during Barcelona’s traditional season opener – the Gamper Trophy – against Mexican side Club Leon.
Speaking ahead of Barcelona’s match against Malaga, Luis Enrique said: “It is beneficial that Luis Suarez play.”
“There are many nuances but we talked and he wants to play, albeit it in another context.”
“The player wants to play and have match fitness, so tomorrow he will play the minutes that Eusebio Sacristan [B team coach] decides.”
[Programming note: Malaga v. Barcelona will be shown LIVE on Wednesday at 3:55pm EST on beINSPORTS]
[For Those With Access: Barcelona ‘B’ v. Indonesia U19s will be shown LIVE on Wednesday at 10:00am EST (16:00 CET) on Barca TV and Esport3]
