Uruguay say Suarez's participation in World Cup 'has not been ruled out'

The Uruguayan football association (AUF) says that there is still hope for striker Luis Suarez to take part in next month's World Cup, releasing a statement confirming that the Liverpool star did indeed undergo knee surgery Thursday to repair a meniscus issue.

The statement notes that Suarez, 27, initially suffered the injury in the final Premier League match of Liverpool's season against Newcastle, and that his participation in football's showpiece event "has not been ruled out."

Judging by the following video, it's likely the ailment originated with this tackle by Paul Dummett in that May 11 contest:

While no exact timetable for his return was outlined, at least one person is expecting that reigning PFA Player of the Year to be on the pitch in Brazil:

Uruguay open their World Cup campaign on June 14 against Costa Rica, and while that match may come too quickly, Oscar Tabarez will surely be hoping that his star attacker will be fit should the team advance out of the group stage.