The Spain international refused to comment on the Uruguayan's four-month ban but called the 27-year-old one of the best strikers in the world right now

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has refused to speak about Luis Suarez’s ban for biting, calling the topic a “thorny issue”.

The Uruguay international was handed a nine-match international ban and a four-month suspension from “any football-related activities” by Fifa in June for sinking his teeth into Italy's Giorgio Chiellini during a World Cup group stage match in Brazil but still managed to seal a transfer from Liverpool to Catalunya earlier this month.

After having an initial appeal against the length of the ban rejected by Fifa, Suarez is now taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Consequently, Iniesta remains reluctant to be drawn on the issue.

"The punishment of Luis Suarez is a thorny issue," the Spain international mused.

“I don’t know if I can speak of the case or not so I will refrain from giving my opinions as it may damage something.

“We hope that everything will be resolved quickly and that the ban will be as little as possible.”

Suarez was the top scorer in the Premier League with Liverpool last season, after netting an impressive 31 goals in 33 matches, and Iniesta believes the €80 million man will prove a fine signing for the Blaugrana.

He said: "Luis Suarez is one of the best strikers in the world. For the midfielders, to have a player with those characteristics is fundamental.”