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Carlos Tevez posing with the Shanghai Shenhua jersey. Photo: AFP

Carlos Tevez must lose weight to play again in Chinese Super League, says his new manager

Shanghai Shenhua caretaker boss, Wu Jingui, says the club’s star Argentine striker is unfit and overweight

Carlos Tevez is “overweight” and will not play for Shanghai Shenhua until he gets in shape, according to new caretaker boss Wu Jingui.

Having taken time off to rehab a muscle injury in his native Argentina, the striker returned in Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Henan Jianye, a result which saw Gus Poyet sacked as manager.

But the Uruguayan’s replacement appeared to be less willing to indulge a player who has failed to live up to his reported £600,000-a-week (HK$6.214 million) wages in the Chinese Super League (CSL).

“I will not pick him right now. He’s not ready physically. He’s not fit to play,” Wu said of Tevez.

“He is overweight, along with [Fredy] Guarin. I have to take responsibility for the team and the players as well.

“If you are unable do your utmost to play, there’s no point in picking you. I have coached lots of big stars, and my players are never picked on reputation.”

Carlos Tevez taking part in his first training session with Shanghai Shenhua in January. Photo: AFP

Tevez has made just 11 appearances since his move from Boca Juniors in December for a reported £71.6 million.

The former Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus striker has scored just two goals in the CSL, having suffered with a persistent calf injury.

Before he was sacked, Poyet said Tevez was still a major asset for the CSL despite the drama that has surrounded his move to Shanghai.

However, there is speculation the 33-year-old Tevez could return to hometown club Boca, with Shenhua even taking the remarkable step of making him sign a written promise to come back to China before his recent trip to Buenos Aires.

Shenhua are currently 11th in the table, having also failed to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League when they lost to Australia’s Brisbane Roar in their qualifier.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Tevez told to get in shape
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