Edinson Cavani leads the charge in training as Uruguay squad step up preparations for Copa America Centenario
- This summer’s Copa America gets underway in the US on June 3
- Luis Suarez suffered hamstring injury during Copa del Rey final
- Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani set to lead Uruguay’s attack
- Holders Chile will be hoping to successfully defend their title
As the Copa America Centenario draws ever closer, Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay squad have stepped up their preparations ahead of the eagerly-anticipated tournament.
With an injury cloud still handing over star striker Luis Suarez, Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani looks set to lead Los Charruas’ attack for the forthcoming tournament.
Barcelona forward Suarez, who has netted 59 times in all competitions this season, suffered a hamstring injury during his side’s 2-0 victory against Sevilla during the Copa del Rey final.
Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani gets to work during Uruguay training at their base in Montevideo
Cavani has had a mixed season with PSG, but is set to lead Uruguay’s attack in the Copa America
Porto defender Maxi Pereira will be a key member of Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay squad in June
Middlesbrough striker Christian Stuani (left) plays a pass as Pereira gives chase
Uruguay head coach Tabarez kept a close eye on proceedings with the help of a scooter
A hamstring injury normally take between three to six weeks to heal but the club said Suarez still planned to join the Uruguay squad on June 1 to continue with the second phase of his treatment.
Suarez, who is Uruguay’s all-time record scorer with 45 goals in 85 games, had been included in the 23-man squad for next month’s centenary edition of football’s oldest continental tournament in which he has not played for five years.
Saurez left the field at the Vicente Calderon in tears after pulling up with the injury with his participation in the June showpiece a major doubt.
Despite a difficult season with PSG, Cavani – who played second fiddle to Zlatan Ibrahimovic during most of their campaign, is set to spearhead his country’s attack in a pool containing Mexico, Jamaica and Venezuela.
Tabarez will be hoping to secure a 16th Copa America title for his country – their last victory coming in 2011
Uruguay goalkeeper Martín Campana is a picture of concentration during Monday’s training session
Uruguay defender Jorge Fucile and Cavani go shoulder-to-shoulder as they chase possession
With a side containing stellar names such as Atletico Madrid pair Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez as well as Maxi Pereira, Uruguay, who have secured 15 Copa America titles, will be looking to follow up their last tournament triumph in 2011.
Uruguay begin their Copa America campaign against Mexico at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona on June 6.
Luis Suarez is sweating over his fitness for the Copa America after suffering an injury in the Copa del Rey final