Ex QPR man Adel Taarabt told to lose weight in order to play for Benfica 1st team [Picture]

Earlier this summer skilful Moroccan star Adel Taarabt joined Benfica on a free transfer from QPR.

Question marks were raised when the 26-year-old was not in Benfica’s squad for their first day of the season 4-0 win over Estoril.

On Wednesday, It was reported in Portuguese media that Adel Taarabt will not be considered for the first team until he loses 1.5kg.

It is not the first time that Adel Taarabt’s weight has been a talking point after being involved in a rather public feud with ex QPR manager Harry Redknapp.

In 2014 Harry Redknapp said on Adel Taraabt: “I can’t protect people who don’t want to run and train, and are about three stone overweight.”

The former AC Milan and Tottenham player is undergoing a programme drawn up by nutritionists in order to lose the 1.5kg required.

Already top of the table after the opening weekend, Benfica face a trip to Arouca on Sunday. See a photo of the overweight star in training below.