The Portuguese says he would have had no qualms about welcoming the 26-year-old back into his squad and argues the forward’s “magnificent” form proves he is committed to the Reds

Jose Mourinho has played down the visit of Luis Suarez to Stamford Bridge as the Uruguayan prepares to face Chelsea for the first time since biting Branislav Ivanovic.

The Liverpool striker received a 10-match suspension for the incident, missing the first five games of the season, but has since netted 19 goals in 13 league appearances and tops the Premier League scoring charts.

When asked whether he would have brought back a player who had bitten an opponent, Mourinho offered a defence of Suarez, saying: “Everybody makes mistakes.”

The Portuguese was then reminded that the former Ajax forward had bitten a player once before during his time in Amsterdam, to which he joked: “He did it twice? Yes? Well, if he does one per country …”

Suarez had been linked with a summer move away from Anfield but Liverpool fought off suitors to retain their star striker, and Mourinho believes his recent performances show he is committed to the club.

“Every player is different and every player has his own personality,” continued the Chelsea boss.

“It happens a lot in the summer, players want to leave and after that it depends on them when they are forced to stay; it depends on them whether they will have revenge by not performing, not being committed.

“Ever since Suarez was forced to stay, I think his answer was magnificent. You can see his motivation.”