Luis Suarez races against time to be fit for the World Cup

Luis Suarez: Under the spotlight

Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan center forward is doing ‘triple shifts’ to be fit for their World Cup opener against Costa Rica on Saturday according to teammate and winger Christian Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said Suarez is doing all he can to return quickly. "He is very focused," he said. "He is working in double and triple shifts and we hope to have him with us soon."

The Liverpool striker had to go through a keyhole surgery to repair the meniscus damage in his left knee on 22 May. Coach Oscar Tabarez wasn’t so sure when Suarez would be available to play.

He added: "As we have no set deadlines, I don't know if we'll have him for the first match, for the second, for the third.

"If it were up to me, Suarez would play tomorrow."

Luis Suarez himself was in good spirits though saying “I feel very good. I have to go day by day but everything is on the right way.”

The 27-year-old added: “I wanted to thank you for all the support I received during this week and now my mind is focused on the World Cup.”