Suarez makes tentative step back

17 August 2013 11:01

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been welcomed back into the first-team fold after his brief period of exile but there remains further bridges to be rebuilt.

Manager Brendan Rodgers insisted the Uruguay international, who has been angling for a move all summer, would train on his own until an apology was forthcoming.

Press Association Sport understands Suarez returned from midweek international duty in Japan, having been isolated from the main group since last week, and was immediately re-integrated after talks with Rodgers.

Liverpool would not confirm how - or even if - an apology had been made but it appears the striker is now back on the road to redemption.

How long that will take, or how far he is prepared to backtrack having been so outspoken against both Rodgers and club officials, is a matter for debate.

But Rodgers will feel vindicated his stance, fully backed by principal owner John Henry's unequivocal statement that Suarez was not for sale, has appeared to strengthened his authority.

Suarez went public with his grievance that he believed the Reds had reneged on a deal struck last summer which allowed him to leave for a Champions League club - and that a second bid of £40million plus £1 by Arsenal should have triggered his departure.

Liverpool have always maintained there was no release clause as such, only a requirement to notify the player and begin negotiations should they wish.

Rodgers' response to the South American's comments was to claim the attitude and performances of last season's 30-goal striker had fallen below the required standard and he was to train on his own until an apology was forthcoming.

Even with the transfer window closing in just over a fortnight, time was always on the manager's side once they had made it clear the player was not for sale.

Source: PA