Uruguay can do well with or without Suarez: Tabarez

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez with Luis Suarez

Montevideo, May 27 (IANS) Uruguay's national team has a good chance at Brazil 2014 World Cup "with or without" the presence of its main star, forward Luis Suarez, who is recovering from meniscus surgery, coach Oscar Tabarez said.

Suarez, 27, underwent left knee meniscus surgery here last Thursday and is racing against time to get fit for the World Cup, reports Xinhua.

"I know Luis since he was a teenager, I am sorry for his injury, but we cannot just bemoan and remain aloof if he does not play," said Tabarez at a press conference here Monday.

"We have to cope with the situation just as it is. I really hope Luis will play," said Tabarez, when asked if Suarez would get fit.

Tabarez stressed that "we are really sorry for what happened but we cannot bemoan and think that without Suarez we do not have good chances."

"I have to try to get to the World Cup with the best team possible, with or without Suarez," Tabarez insisted.

The Uruguayan coach made it clear that "we cannot speed up terms or take unnecessary risks, so we are going to be very careful."

That is why "we follow day to day" Suarez's recovery and June 2 "we will announce the list of players so we will decide then."

"In the case of Luis, facts will be decisive. Until we get to the deadline, we will know," said Tabarez.

The Uruguayan star arrived last Tuesday to be part of the training sessions led by Tabarez. As part of Group D together with England and Italy, Uruguay will face Costa Rica, June 14.