Injury forces Suarez to miss Liverpool friendly

The unsettled Uruguay striker – subject of two failed bids from Arsenal this summer – will not travel with the squad to Norway as he undergoes a precautionary scan on an injury suffered in training.

Despite the reason for Suarez’s absence being made clear, the news is likely to fuel further speculation over the 26-year-old’s future.

The player has made clear his desire to leave Anfield in search of Champions League football and that has alerted Arsenal, who have made bids of £30m and £40m.

Liverpool reported on their website: “Luis Suarez will remain on Merseyside as a precaution following an injury in training yesterday.

“He will undergo a scan on his foot later today.”

It is thought Arsenal believed that by lodging a bid of one pound above £40m they would trigger a sale clause in Suarez’s contract.

Liverpool however appear adamant that the figure only requires them to inform the player of the offer and negotiate if they wish to sell.

They have remained steadfast in their insistence the player, who is banned for the first six matches of next season for biting Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, is not for sale.

That stance has led to reports that legal action and Premier League arbitration are being considered as possible routes that Suarez and his advisers could be exploring.

Suarez remains a popular figure with fans and featured in the tailend of the club’s pre-season tour as a substitute in matches against Melbourne Victory and Thailand.

He also received a good reception in Steven Gerrard’s testimonial at Anfield against Olympiacos on Saturday, as well as at an open training session at the ground this week.

The striker was cheered at every opportunity during the session of about an hour by around 5,000 selected fans but was reluctant to acknowledge such support.

The injury Liverpool have now revealed he sustained may explain that attitude.

Midfielder Joe Allen steered clear of getting involved in the saga when asked this week but does think the Reds are now better equipped in the attacking department than a year ago.

Brendan Rogers’s side relied heavily on Suarez’s 30-goal output last season but have strengthened this summer with the signings of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto, adding to the January capture of Daniel Sturridge.