Uruguay have been dealt a major blow with the news that striker Luis Suarez could miss the World Cup 2014 due to a knee injury. The striker reportedly suffered this injury while training with the national team in preparation for the World Cup. The team still have two friendly matches before the tournament and this will be played towards the end of May. However, it is almost certain that Suarez will miss the matches since he is set to undergo a surgery in the next few days.

Even though some of the Uruguayan officials have been pessimistic about his chances, some say that it is still quite possible that Suarez will be back in time for the start against Costa Rica. Suarez will go into the World Cup as one of the best strikers in the world after having come on the back of an incredible season with Liverpool. He scored 31 goals in just 37 matches for the Reds, as they almost won the league title. In recognition for his impressive performances, Suarez was awarded several trophies including the PFA Player of the Year award.

In his absence, Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez will have a major headache on his hands. Only Diego Forlan is the next best replacement that the team has got.

“It was all unexpected. The latest information is that we are deciding what to do, but there are increased possibilities (involving surgery). I can’t tell you anything more. The AUF (Uruguay Federation) will announce it officially on Thursday morning,” said an Uruguayan official. “The surgery is over and thank God everything went well. What Luis had wasn’t as serious as we thought. The problem is that these days he won’t be able to play, and will only be able to do physiotherapy,” said the player’s sister.