Uruguay desperately needs a win following a loss to Mexico in its Copa America 2016 opener, but it won’t get any help from star Luis Suarez.
The 29-year-old striker will miss Thursday’s pivotal group game against Venezuela with the same hamstring injury he suffered while helping Barcelona to a Copa del Rey final win over Sevilla on May 22.
“It’s the 17th day and he is still not ready,” Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said, via ESPN. “That being the case, he will not play.”
Tabarez added that Suarez could miss the entire tournament, instead opting to let his hamstring heal so he can be healthy for World Cup qualifying matches.
“He’s an important player and this is an important competition, but the most important thing for us are the qualifying games for the World Cup,” Tabarez said. “We are in the lead, and the contribution of Suarez will be very important.”
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
