Uruguay are again expected to be without the services of Ronald Araujo for their second match at the 2022 World Cup, which comes against Portugal on Monday night.

Diego Alonso's side opened their tournament with a goalless draw against South Korea on Thursday, and there was no sign of Araujo in the squad for the Group H contest.

There has been huge controversy surrounding the Barcelona defender, as he only underwent a thigh operation at the end of September.

Araujo is unlikely to feature until the knockout rounds, should Uruguay make it, so Martin Caceres is again expected to feature at the back for the South American nation here.

There is every chance that Alonso will keep faith with the same XI that took to the field for the first whistle against South Korea last time out.

A 4-3-3 formation should again include Facundo Pellistri and Darwin Nunez in the wide areas, with Luis Suarez battling to keep out Edinson Cavani through the middle.

Suarez found it difficult to make his mark during his 64 minutes on the field against South Korea, but the 35-year-old is expected to be given another opportunity from the start against Portugal.

Meanwhile, Diego Godin, Federico Valverde and Jose Gimenez will again definitely be in the first XI.

Uruguay possible starting lineup: Pochet; Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, Olivera; Valverde, Bentancur, Vecino; Pellistri, Suarez, Nunez

> Click here to see how Portugal could line up for the contest

Written by
Matt Law