Has Suarez learned his lesson? Time will tell – Rodgers

The Liverpool boss insists he has no hesitation in restoring the Uruguayan to his side to face Manchester United, but does not know whether his troubles are behind him

Brendan Rodgers admits only time will tell whether Luis Suarez has learned his lessons from a series of high profile controversies.

Suarez is primed to return to action for Liverpool after serving a 10-match ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League clash with Chelsea back in April.

And while Rodgers insists he is not wary of putting the Uruguayan straight back into his team, he concedes there is little way of knowing whether the striker will misbehave again.

“I think that test will come over time,” he told reporters.

“It won’t be a one-off game. I think over time, we will see the lessons learned and that maturity.

“I don’t think he will be targeted any more than he has been before. Luis is that type of player. He will always provoke the tackle or the challenge.

“The work that he does in and around the box will always make defenders be on the back foot. It is part of the game and whatever part of the field you play, you have to put up with that.

“He will just be happy to pull on the shirt for real. It doesn’t matter where that would be, whether it was Old Trafford or another stadium. I think he can’t wait to get out there.”

When asked whether he had any doubts about restoring Suarez to his side, Rodgers replied: “No. I have got no hesitation. There has never been an issue with anything like that.

“There is the history of the clash but it won’t enter my mind. He is a tough character. He is resilient and one of the strongest-willed characters I have ever met in my life.

“I don’t think he will bat an eyelid at that. He is a fighter and his will and desire to succeed is out there for everyone to see.

 “We are just delighted to have him back. I know the players are happy we are bringing someone back like that of that quality.

“When Luis knew he would be available for the fixture, it would have really stoked him up to make sure he was even more ready.

“You could argue that this is a real good game for him to come back to.”

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