REVEALED: How biting Suarez could be back playing for Liverpool in July... and here's something to chew on - it's all down to fair play!



Disgraced Liverpool striker Luis Suarez could return to competitive action in the third week of July, and it's all thanks to Liverpool's fair play this season.

Despite their star man picking up a ten-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, Liverpool could still make it into the Europa League next season through the UEFA Fair Play League.

If they do qualify, Brendan Rodgers' men would have to play seven competitive qualification games before the season starts, and Suarez could be eligible from the second qualifying round first leg.

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Fighting fit: Luis Suarez look happy during training at Melwood

All smiles: Luis Suarez trains with Liverpool the day after he was hit with a ten-game ban

Scoring for fun: Suarez scores in training and runs off in celebration



This would still mean Suarez would be banned for the first six domestic games of next season, but it could see the disgraced star playing seven competitive games if Liverpool progress to the group stage before he is eligible for a return to Premier League action.

Suarez looks set to be playing in the Confederations Cup for Uruguay in Brazil, and if his country do not make the knock-out stages Suarez will be released in time for July 18.

However, it still remains to be seen whether Liverpool will stick to their arranged pre-season tour or Australia and Indonesia, which begins on July 20.

Shooting practice: Suarez may not play in the Premier League again until October

Relaxed: Suarez looks happy in training despite his 10 game ban

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU: LIVERPOOL POTENTIAL FIXTURES

Suarez will miss: Premier League:

April 27 - Newcastle (a) May 5 - Everton (h) May 12 - Fulham (a) May 19 - QPR (h) Suarez could play in:

Europa League:

July 18 - Second qualifying round first leg

July 25 - Second qualifying round second leg

August 1 - Third qualifying round first leg

August 8 - Third qualifying round second leg (August 17 - Premier League season starts: Suarez banned for first six games)

August 22 - Europa League play-off first leg August 29 - Europa League play-off second leg September 19 - Group stage Matchday 1



The book was thrown at the 26-year-old by the FA for his savage attack on Ivanovic in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield, but the ban will not affect Liverpool's placing in the Premier League fair play table, where they are second.



Only cards issued on the pitch are taken into consideration in the fair play standings, with retrospective disciplinary action ignored.

UEFA will offer a place in next season's Europa League competition to the top ranking club from each of the top three fairest European leagues.

England are currently fourth behind Norway, Sweden and Finland in the overall rankings, but have a month to make up the difference.

Liverpool are second behind Arsenal in the Premier League fair play table, but with the Gunners looking set to finish in fifth place at the very least, Brendan Rodgers' men would take the qualification place.



His side have 49 yellow cards and two reds this season, given to Daniel Agger and Jonjo Shelvey earlier in the campaign, but the fair play table also takes into account positive play, respect towards opponents and the referee and behaviour of team officials and public.

This means Suarez could be involved in seven competitive games before his domestic ban is lifted, meaning the Merseyside club's influential goalscorer will not struggle to gain match fitness for his return to top-flight football.



Route back in: Suarez's ten-match ban does not apply to European games, and could return on July 4

Saviour: Suarez scored the equaliser in stoppage time to gain Liverpool a point against Chelsea

Clean? Liverpool have received two red cards this season: Jonjo Shelvey (left) against Manchester United and Daniel Agger (right) against West Brom on the opening day, but the fair play table counts for other aspects



Joey Barton's lengthy ban for his behaviour in QPR's end-of-season clash with Manchester City last May allowed him to play in the Europa League for Marseille, but still had to wait until November to play his first league game.

Liverpool, who have until midday on Friday to appeal, said they were "shocked and disappointed" at the length of the suspension.

Repeat offender: Suarez was also given a seven-match ban in Holland for biting an opponent in 2011