West Bromwich Albion boss Tony Pulis has opened up about Saido Berahino's special weight loss programme at the club, suggesting the player has finally bought into the idea.
According to theDaily Mail, the striker was found to be eight pounds over his ideal weight following further tests on the player and as a result will not be in the squad to face Liverpool on Saturday.
The England U21 international is now on a specific programme that is seeing him do extra work on top of his regular training with the first team in order to shift those pounds and make it back into the starting XI following a troubled time under Pulis and with the Baggies.
Speaking about the decision, Pulis said: "We've come to the conclusion that's the best way forward, he's bought into it and we'll take him out of the firing line. It's important we get him back to sharpness and fitness.
"We're hoping and praying that'll benefit him and get him back to where we want him."
Saido Berahino has been put on a weight-loss training programme...
Could this be the solution for him?
Full story: https://t.co/f876FQzVe1 pic.twitter.com/7F9DKrPRqb
Despite netting 20 goals in the 2014/15 season, the 23-year-old's form has appeared to have slumped following a goalless run of 14 games - one that goes all the way back to February this year, and has not represented the club in their last four matches.
Berahino's form was not helped by his decision to try and force a move away from the club in the last couple of transfer windowsafter reports suggested that Tottenham Hotspur among a long list of clubs were prepared to take the player on.