Carlos Tevez dropped for being "overweight"

Shanghai Shenhua manager Wu Jingui has dropped Carlos Tevez from his first-team plans, accusing the striker of being too "overweight" to play.

The 33-year-old is thought to have become the best-paid player in world football when he moved to the Chinese side last December, signing a deal worth a reported £610,000 a week.

The former Manchester City forward has since endured a disappointing time on the pitch, however, scoring just twice in 15 appearances and spending time on the sidelines through injury.

"He will be informed of my tactical plans but I won't pick him right now. He's not ready physically. He's not fit to play," said Wu, who replaced Gus Poyet as manager on Monday.

"He is overweight, along with [Fredy] Guarin. I have to take responsibility for the team and the players as well. If you are unable to 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."

Shanghai have endured a terrible time in the CSL this season and currently sit 12th in the table, eight points above the dropzone with seven games left to play.