Luis Suarez
Reuters

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he has not decided whether Luis Suarez will start against Manchester United in the Capital One Cup.

The Uruguayan international was handed a 10-match ban by the Football Association after biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanoivc during the last season. Suarez has completed his suspension and will be eligible to feature for the first time this season, when Liverpool take on the Premier League champions.

The former Swansea manager fielded Daniel Sturridge in Suarez's absence, scoring four goals from five league starts. Rodgers is delighted to have the former Ajax man return to the squad after confirmed the striker will travel with the squad to Old Trafford.

"He certainly comes back into the squad and we're delighted to have him. He'll travel with us and we'll reflect in the next 24 hours whether he starts or not. Having someone of that quality back into your squad gives everyone a lift," Rodgers explained.

"You never get the full match fitness until you're playing and you have the crowd and everything, but one of the things that has astounded me in the time I've been here has been his physicality," he added.

Suarez has been short of competitive games and has not featured for the Merseyside club this season due to his suspension. He has had play time while on international duty, featuring in two matches and scored twice during Uruguay's 2-1 win over Peru earlier this month.

The 26-year-old had expressed his desire to leave the club earlier in the summer and Arsenal made an official approach in signing him. However, the Gunners' offer was turned by the Reds. Rodgers remains confident that Suarez will regain his top form.

"It has been a really difficult time for him not playing games. How he has prepared himself over the last number of weeks has been fantastic," Liverpool manager said.

"He's really chomping at the bit to help the team. Everyone knows the depth of his quality and his attitude. Once he gets back on the field again he will show what he has shown since he's been here," Rodgers concluded.