Playing in the same group as the hosts can't be easy, and Uruguay's boss knows it. That is why Oscar Tabarez called up 26 multi-talented men to represent the South American side in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
While there were some glaring omissions in this list, the team's top guns have been included by Tabarez. Who will join Suárez and Cavani in their quest for greatness? Have a look.
Coach's objective
Tabarez's goal has to be getting out of the group stage on a high, especially since their Round of 16 match could very well be against Portugal or Spain. Their future in this competition will be sealed during the first three games.
New faces
Lucas Torreira and Guillermo Varela are the least experienced players on this list. Both footballers have played in less than five games with La Celeste, and they represent new blood for Uruguay's post-World Cup phase.
Veterans
Maxi Pereira and Diego Godín are the most experienced players called up by Tabarez. Both players are expected to lead Uruguay's defense in Russia, and their international pedigree will surely come in handy.
Major absences
Midfielder Egidio Arévalo and defenders Jorge Fucile and Alvaro Pereira are the team's major absences for this competition. Arévalo and Fucile were left out due to technical decision, while Pereira will have to watch the tournament on TV due to an injury.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera, Martín Silva, Martín Campaña
Defenders: Diego Godín, Sebastián Coates, Jose María Giménez, Maximiliano Pereira, Gastón Silva, Martín Cáceres, Guillermo Varela.
Midfielders: Nahitán Nández, Lucas Torreira, Matías Vecino, Rodrigo Bentancur, Carlos Sánchez, Cristian Rodríguez, Diego Laxalt
Strikers: Giorgian de Arrascaeta, Jonathan Urretaviscaya, Maximiliano Gómez, Christian Stuani, Luis Suárez, Edinson Cavani.
