Uruguay vs Argentina - Uruguay hoping to have Luis Suarez fit for crucial qualifier

Posted Wednesday, August 30, 2017 by PA

Luis Suarez faces a race to be fit for Uruguay's crunch World Cup qualifier against Argentina.

The forward has missed Barcelona's opening two LaLiga games, against Real Betis and Alaves, with a knee injury.

However, Suarez has been allowed to link up with his national side for the qualifying clashes against Argentina and Paraguay.

Uruguay coach coach Oscar Tabarez said: "He is going to continue his recovery here and we'll see then.

"All this came as a consequence of the good relationship between the professionals of both medical teams and because the player showed some good signs in his recovery work.

"It was decided that instead of continuing his recovery in Barcelona he will do that in Montevideo.

"We must always look at the reality of the situation and there are some aspects that we still don't know.

"I cannot even compare this situation with other situations Luis has gone through previously where he showed an amazing recovery."

Uruguay are currently third in the table but Argentina, in fifth, will overtake them with a win in Montevideo.

The top four sides qualify automatically for next year's World Cup in Russia, with the fifth-placed team entering a two-legged play-off.

Argentina boss Jorge Sampaoli will be watching the fitness of Suarez with interest.

Sampaoli called up Mauro Icardi of Inter Milan in place of Gonzalo Higuain, and he is expected to form an attacking trio with Lionel Messi and Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.

He told a press conference: "The team is not yet confirmed but we have different alternatives to play this very important match. This match against Uruguay, we've been working on it for some time.

"The idea to talk with every single player has to do with achieving a union before such an important match.

"What matters is putting together a number of players that will strengthen the team and join the Argentina attack. The idea is to have the possibility of an Argentina team who imposes itself through a defined attacking characteristic.

"Luis Suarez is a very valuable striker. If he plays, he can alter the system. He's something extra Uruguay have because he's their best footballer."