It’s been quite apparent for some time now, but Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez has finally put the debate to bed by confirming that Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will not start against Costa Rica in La Celeste’s opening match of the World Cup — though, surprisingly, he will make the bench.
Although the 27-year old has resumed full training, at this still early stage of his recovery, it’s far too risky to chance him in a competitive match. “A lot can happen in 24 hours,” said the boss ahead leading another training session. “But we don’t want to jump the gun. We have prepared this match without counting on Luis, just in case he cannot play.”
Suarez has been working his way back to fitness after undergoing knee surgery less than a month ago and has finally shaken off fears that he wouldn’t feature at all in this summers show-piece event. Now, with the opening match in sight, he’ll take up an unfamiliar place on the bench and won’t be thrown into the thick of things unless absolutely necessary — a scenario that’s hard to imagine.
A more likely return to action for the 31-goal man seems to be exactly the match he predicted he’d be fit for when Uruguay take on England on June 19th, though even that’s not set in stone. “It would be wonderful to have him in top form but we have to be very careful because first of all when preparing for these matches, we have to think about the players and not the convenience of our team” continued Tabarez. “Of course he is recovering very well. We are delighted about that but we have to be very careful and we have to manage things very carefully indeed.”
