Luis Suarez will sit out Tuesday's Uruguay-Italy friendly and rest his aching back. The Liverpool star said he was available to play for his country, but his national team manager decided against it, according to FIFA.com.
"Suarez took a knock against Chile and is not in the best shape," Oscar Washington Tabarez said in a press conference. "He is getting better, but for the player, and for his club (Liverpool), it would make no sense to risk an injury, that is the way we see things."
Suarez scored all four goals in Uruguay's 4-0 win over Chile on Friday. Tabarez withdrew him after 76 minutes when he complained of back pain. The win keeps Uruguay on top of the South American World Cup qualifying standings after three games.
Two trans-atlantic flights in the span of seven days can only put more strain on the player, so Liverpool will take delight in the announcement.
The Reds visit Chelsea on Sunday and will need their marksman to be at his best.
