Luis Suarez fitness: Diego Forlan desperate for Liverpool striker to return for World Cup

If Suarez recovers from knee surgery it could mean Forlan loses his place in the side

Rory Dollard
Saturday 31 May 2014 12:33 BST
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Diego Forlan plays around during Uruguay's preparations for the World Cup
Diego Forlan plays around during Uruguay's preparations for the World Cup (GETTY IMAGES)

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Diego Forlan is willing Luis Suarez back to full fitness, even if it costs him his own starting place at the World Cup.

The former Manchester United striker, now 35 and plying his trade in Japan with Cerezo Osaka, has been thrust back into the Uruguay first XI after star man Suarez underwent knee surgery at the end of the Barclays Premier League season.

The Liverpool forward's progress is being monitored on a daily basis as medics assess what part he will be able to play in Brazil, where La Celeste face England in their second Group D game on June 19, and Forlan hopes Suarez is cleared to play a full part.

The 27-year-old visited his national team-mates at their training complex in Montevideo before the 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland and Forlan was heartened by his demeanour.

"I want the whole team to be healthy and ready for the World Cup so I want Luis to be back and ready for that," Forlan told Press Association Sport.

"That would be much better for all of us. Luis came to the training ground in the morning to see us.

"We haven't seen him for a week so it was nice to have him around again. He told us he is in good shape and recovering well and his treatment has been good.

"Everybody wants him to be ready."

Forlan was replaced at half-time against Northern Ireland, having been denied twice by former Old Trafford colleague Roy Carroll, but believes the workout was a good primer for facing England.

"It was good preparation because Northern Ireland play in the same style as England," he said.

"The England game is not more important for me because every game in a World Cup is just as important, but it will be a tough one."

PA

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