WORLD CUP DIGEST
LUIS Suarez has highlighted Edinson Cavani’s importance to Uruguay but also that “things don’t depend on just one player” ahead of Friday’s World Cup quarter-final against France.
Cavani scored both goals in Saturday’s 2-1 last-16 victory over Portugal before being forced off with an injury.
Yesterday, the Uruguayan talisman returned to training, giving rise to optimism he could defy the odds and make it for the huge clash with the French.
Uruguay didn’t give any indication about his chances of being ready for the French test at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium, saying only that they are “monitoring his progress.”
They added: “The player remains injured. He will train apart from the rest of the squad and receive physical therapy.”
On Monday, the Uruguayan Football Association had given an update on the Paris St Germain striker’s condition, saying a scan had shown swelling in his left leg but no muscle tear, and that he was still sore.
And 24 hours later, an image posted on the team’s official Twitter feed showed him apparently doing work in the gym.
But despite conflicting indicators regarding Cavani’s prospects, reports continue to circulate that he has no chance of making the clash.
If Cavani doesn’t recover in time, coach Oscar Tabarez is expected to replace him with exMiddlesbrough forward Cristhian Stuani.
Meanwhile, it was reported that while Cavani did not take part in
BRAZIL coach Tite has confirmed that Real Madrid full-back Marcelo will return to the side to face Belgium in their World Cup quarterfinal on Friday.
Marcelo was forced off early on in Brazil’s final group game as they beat Serbia to assure themselves of top spot in Group E, before the same back problem cost him a place in the team that beat Mexico 2-0.
A soft mattress at the team hotel has been blamed for aggravating the issue but Tite revealed during his press conference in Kazan on the eve of the quarter-final that the 30-year-old will replace Felipe Luis against Belgium.
“I talked to Marcelo and Filipe Luis,” said Tite.
“Marcelo left (against Serbia) because of a clinical problem and he has not been back because of a physical problem, he only had 45 to 60 minutes. Filipe Luis played very well in those matches but Marcelo is coming back.”
The Brazil coach went on to confirm that Fernandinho will also come into the side.
The Manchester City midfielder has yet to start a game in Russia but will replace Casemiro – who misses out through suspension – and is likely to be joined in the starting XI by club-mate Gabriel Jesus, despite the fact the forward has yet to score in the finals.
Defender Miranda joined Tite at the press conference at the Kazan Arena and the Inter Milan man
NIZHNY NOVGOROD
URUGUAY v FRANCE
KAZAN
BRAZIL v BELGIUM
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the day’s outdoor training session with his team-mates, Suarez had appeared to feel some discomfort in his right leg during it, but did then resume training.
Suarez spoke at a press conference after the session and, in quotes reported by goal.com, the Barcelona forward said of Cavani: “The two goals he scored the other day, the team work he has in general, his physical exertion...all of it is important.
“This is a World Cup and Edi’s form is very important, but there are players who can do it in the same way, and we hope even better than him.
“Things don’t depend on just one player. Uruguay have shown we depend on collective work on the pitch.”
In Russia, Uruguay have won all four games, with Suarez bagging two goals, avoiding controversy, and exuding experience.
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will captain the Selecao. The 33-year-old, ever-present throughout the finals, is expecting a tough test from a Belgium side who came from two goals behind to beat Japan and set up a clash between two of the tournament favourites.
Asked about the threat posed by Manchester United forward Romelu Lukaku, Miranda replied: “Belgium is not just Lukaku.
“They are a very strong attacking team but the main way to stop the opponent is to be aware of all of the players who are on the pitch because there are several highquality players, they are very skilful.
“Our defence is going to be very well prepared to neutralise all of the opponents’ attacks.”