Barcelona striker Luis Suarez could see his four-month ban reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, enabling him to debut for his La Liga side when the 2014-15 season kicks off.
The Uruguayan forward was handed this lengthy punishment after the 27-year-old bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 2014 World Cup group stage encounter with the Azzurri, which they won 1-0.
As a result, Suarez won't be eligible to feature for his new club until October 26, seriously hurting the Catalan side's chances of winning La Liga, given rivals Real Madrid have made big-name signings over the summer in the form of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.
La Celeste attacker appealed the ban, but saw it rejected by Fifa. This means the former Liverpool superstar cannot be unveiled by the Blaugrana, train with his team-mates, or even enter Camp Nou until he serves out his punishment.
SURPRISING: Suarez's four-month ban could be reduced
However, according to Goal, a source close to the CAS stated a reduction looks likely, claiming:
"Now that the case has arrived at CAS, it is very likely that we will reduce the penalty," the source confirmed.
The bite on Giorgio Chiellini during Italy vs Uruguay earned the 27-year-old his lengthy ban
But after an appeal was rejected, the Uruguayan striker could see his ban reduced
The reduction, though, would not affect the Uruguayan's nine-game international ban which will stand, revealed the source, as he continued to say:
"The ban would only apply to the Uruguay national team and not to Barcelona."
The webstie also adds that the CAS, along with Barcelona, believe the reprecussions that Suarez faces, handed out by football's governing body, are "excessive."
Suarez could debut for Barca earlier than expected
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