Edinson Cavani admits Uruguay are “discouraged” by Luis Suarez’s injury problems but remain hopeful the Liverpool striker will still play some part in the World Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward will shoulder the side’s attacking responsibility should Suarez fail to recover in time from his knee operation, but would be happier to share the spotlight with the Premier League’s top-scorer.
The 27-year-old is a national hero in Uruguay and his fight for fitness is being treated in Montevideo with all the frenzy that surrounded David Beckham’s metatarsal break for England in 2002.
Uruguay’s opening match against Costa Rica on June 15 is an unrealistic target for Suarez even if he makes the squad, but the second group match against an England side led by Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard is an obvious target.
Cavani said: “We’re all a bit discouraged by what happened. Injuries are always ugly and more so at this time. I think we have to leave him alone now so he can have a good recovery with no anxiety on him. We wish he can join us as soon as possible.”
Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin, who linked up with La Celeste after scoring for his side in a losing cause in the Champions League final, was equally concerned about Suarez.
“When I heard (about Suarez) I said ‘no, not now, please’,” said Godin. “The truth is that I felt ill, it is something that nobody expected. He is our figurehead, our star.
“Now what remains is for us to support him. I’ve talked to him and he is very optimistic.”
The images of Suarez being carted around in a wheelchair have not fooled Jordan Henderson, who fully expects to be lining-up against his Liverpool team-mate when England take on Uruguay at the World Cup.
After sweeping up at the end-of-season awards for his wonderful displays with the Reds, the 27-year-old was predicted to light-up this summer’s tournament in Brazil.
“Everybody is obviously disappointed for Luis, the people that know him – maybe not us because he is a big player for Uruguay, ” the midfielder said with a smile. “I gave him a text to see if he is doing all right and wished him good luck with whatever he has got to have done.”
