Saturday, 27th September, 2014



Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has defended Luis Suarez against claims he has become overweight in his absence from the game.

Suarez is currently serving a four-month ban due to biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup this summer. However, he can train and play friendly games for Barcelona.



He was in action, and scored a brace, in a Barcelona B team win over an Indonesian Under-19 side earlier this week.

However, it was quickly claimed by observers that Suarez has put on weight and looked to be overweight during the course of proceedings.

 


That is something Enrique comprehensively disputes though, claiming the Uruguayan is the same weight he was at former club Liverpool and knows how to look after his own body.

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Asked about Suarez's weight in a press conference, Enrique replied: "He is a healthy weight, the same as he was at Liverpool.

"He is a stout and stocky player.

"He is also an elite athlete who knows how to control his body.

"He is in condition to play competitively."

Barcelona will want to keep Suarez in tip top shape as he is scheduled to see his ban end in time to make his debut against Real Madrid in El Clasico at the end of October.

 


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