Suarez certain to sit this one out but Uruguay still pack punch

Suarez had keyhole surgery on his left knee just three weeks ago

Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani goes for the ball during an international friendly  against Slovenia in Montevideo, earlier this month. Photograph: Andres Stapff/Reuters
Uruguay’s Edinson Cavani goes for the ball during an international friendly against Slovenia in Montevideo, earlier this month. Photograph: Andres Stapff/Reuters

Luis Suarez looks certain to sit out Uruguay's World Cup Group D opener against Costa Rica tonight but in Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan the South Americans still boast a formidable attacking partenership.

Suarez had keyhole surgery on his left knee just three weeks ago and although he appears to be recovering well, coach Oscar Tabarez is unlikely to risk him against what promises to be the weakest team in the group.

The Liverpool striker was sensational in the English Premier League last season, scoring 31 goals in 33 appearances, way more than any other player.

But although his absence is a concern for the Uruguayans, they are blessed with an abundance of attacking riches.

READ MORE

Cavani comes to Brazil after a successful first season at Paris St Germain and while Forlan's star has faded somewhat since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, he still has the intelligence and dead-ball expertise to unlock any defence.

He will need it because if there is one thing that Costa Rica do well it is defending.