Uruguay refusing to rule out early return for Luis Suarez

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has suggested that Luis Suarez could return to action for his nation's opening World Cup clash against Costa Rica.

The Liverpool striker was believed to be targeting a return to the pitch against England on June 19 following knee surgery.

However, Tabarez is refusing to rule out the possibility of the 27-year-old being included in the team to face Group D opponents Costa Rica next Saturday.

"We have great hopes of Suarez playing at the World Cup," The Mirror quotes Tabarez as saying. "I wouldn't assure it will be in the first match but nor are we ruling that out."

Suarez, who has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, scored 31 Premier League goals for Liverpool last season.