Madrid, Sep 11 (IANS): FC Barcelona have confirmed that new signing Luis Suarez will be able to make his debut in the 'Clasico' against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Oct 25.
The Spanish Football League, announced the date and time for the much anticipated fixture Wednesday and for a short period it was thought Suarez, who is serving a four month ban for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup finals, would not be able to play as his suspension ended on that day, reports Xinhua.
However, Barcelona have issued a statement confirming the ban actually ends midnight Oct 24, meaning that if coach Luis Enrique sees fit, Suarez could play.
"It has also been confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that Uruguayan Luis Suarez will be able to play in the game as his suspension will have been served," explained Barcelona.
The Catalan club had appealed against the length of Suarez's ban in August, but their appeal was rejected although CAS did revoke the part of the suspension which prohibited Suarez training with his team-mates or playing friendly matches.
The big doubt now is whether or not the Uruguayan will have the match fitness to go straight into the Barca starting 11 for the most important game of the season or whether Luis Enrique will start with him as a substitute.