Barcelona are starting to believe that star striker Luis Suarez may need a prolonged period of rest to cure a longstanding and persistent knee injury, according to reports.

Suarez, 31, has undergone treatment involving stem cells in the past week and is expected to feature in this weekend’s Catalan derby against Espanyol. But this could only provide a temporary measure.

SPORT have stated the centre forward still continues to deal with a lot of discomfort in his right knee and it has become clear that an extended break will be required in the future.

Barca would like this to come at the end of 2018/19. But with the Copa America coming next summer with Uruguay, time out of action is unlikely to occur then.