Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, believes Luis Suarez has gained from his mandatory break, as the Uruguayan forward returns from a three-match suspension to face a crucial MLS Eastern Conference game against New York City FC.
Suarez was banned for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member after Inter’s 3-0 defeat in the Leagues Cup final on August 31.
He will make his comeback on Wednesday when NYCFC hosts Inter at Citi Field, home to Major League Baseball’s New York Mets.
“Luis is a player accustomed to regular playtime,” Mascherano remarked on Tuesday. “I imagine he is eager and ready to play once more.
“He’s been training consistently with the team,” Mascherano continued. “On certain days, especially before games when sessions are brief, he does extra work, but the rest has been beneficial for him due to his previous game load.”
Inter heads into Wednesday’s match in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind fourth-placed NYCFC, who secured an MLS Cup playoff spot over the weekend.
Miami has two games in hand on City and three on the top three teams in the East: Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Charlotte.
The top four finishers in the conference will enjoy home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Inter is fresh off a 3-2 win over DC United on Saturday, where Argentine superstar Lionel Messi scored twice and provided an assist.
Messi is tied in the Golden Boot race with Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga, both netting 22 goals.
Mascherano reflected on Tuesday about the form of the 38-year-old legend, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, set to extend his contract to stay in Miami at least through next year.
“It’s challenging to pick just one version of Leo,” Mascherano commented. “He’s a player who seems to pause time and consistently makes an impact every game.
“His career has shown his ability to constantly innovate and add new elements to his game, not that he ever needed to.”
