Uruguay v Costa Rica team news: Luis Suarez on bench for World Cup Group D opener

The Liverpool striker has been battling to recover from knee surgery

Luis Suarez listens to Uruguay medical staff member Walter Ferreira (GETTY IMAGES)

Luis Suarez has been named on the bench for Uruguay's opening World Cup game against Costa Rica.

The Liverpool striker underwent knee surgery and has been in a battle to be fit ever since.

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Despite uncertainty surrounding his progress Suarez was never expected to start in the opening game of Group D with the 27-year-old more likely to make an appearance in their second game, against England.

However, the news that Suarez has made the bench for the game in Fortaleza will be a boost for Uruguay.

Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani will be charged with leading the the attack against Costa Rica in his absence, with the pair in the starting XI.

For Costa Rica, the two players best known to English audiences, Joel Campbell of Arsenal and former Fulham forward Bryan Ruiz are both in the starting line up.

Uruguay: Muslera, Maxi Pereira, Lugano, Godin, Caceres, Stuani,Arevalo Rios, Gargano, Rodriguez, Forlan, Cavani.

Subs: Munoz, Fucile, Pereira, Hernandez, Suarez, Gimenez, Lodeiro, Perez, Ramirez, Coates, Gonzalez, Silva

Costa Rica: Navas, Gamboa, Duarte, Gonzalez, Umana, Diaz, Borges, Tejeda, Bolanos, Ruiz, Campbell

Subs: Pemberton, Acosta, Myrie, Barrantes, Francis, Granados, Brenes, Miller, Calvo, Urena, Cubero, Cambronero.