English Premier League's top two goal-scorers from last season get geared up to go head-to-head when Uruguay take on England at the World Cup in Brazil on Thursday.
Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez will both look to help their respective nations get back to winning ways as the Three Lions ran out 2-1 losers to Italy whilst La Celeste fell to a shock 3-1 loss at the hands of Costa Rica on their opening games.
But the fans of two-time World Cup winning South American side eagerly wait for news on whether their Liverpool ace will be ready to take on Roy Hodgson's men as the 2014 PFA winner is still recovering from his knee injury.
“If [Suarez] plays we must consider the possibility that he’s not as well as he was during the PL," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said. 'But even when not 100% he is someone who can give a lot to his team."
“We thought if everything went well there was no reason for him not to play in the World Cup. He has recovered well.”
Scars from Suarez's knee surgery (image via Daily Mail)
EPL's two top scorer from the 2013-14 season might face off in their respective nations' clash
2 - The 2013-14 @premierleague's top two scorers go head to head this week - Suarez (31) & Sturridge (21). Battle. pic.twitter.com/LFtFcLdNXP
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 17, 2014
"Luis has always wanted to face all challenges in his career, not only playing for national team but in other situations. Any time we have need him in any sort of match he has been willing.”
“He has always improved himself and his career is wonderful, brilliant. He is a very important player for us because of his tech abilities and his personality.”
Team-mate and Paris Saint-Germain star Edinson Cavani also discussed the prospect of playing side-by-side with the 27-year-old striker, saying:
“We have achieved wonderful things together as we have with Diego Forlan as well.”
“We will do our best. In the first match with had Diego and if Luis plays he will give his best. Whether he feels well or not we will see.”
Will Suarez play v England?
