Barcelona forward Luis Suarez’s name has been included in the Uruguay squad list for the side’s friendly fixtures against Saudi Arabia and Oman on October 10th and 13th respectively, according to a statement made by national coach Oscar Tabarez on Thursday.
The player incurred a ten game ban from competitive matches and a four month ban from all footballing activity following his alleged biting of Italian defender Georgio Chiellini during the World Cup,
Though Suarez can play in friendlies, he will miss the Copa America and some of the 2018 World Cup qualifying matches for Uruguay.
According to sources, Head coach Tabarez has made it clear that Suarez’s presence in and training with the squad is vital for the development of both the player and the national team.
Tabarez maintains that a ban reduction could occur prior to the beginning of the qualifying stage of the 2018 World Cup, the draw for which will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia on 25 July 2015.
Suarez’s calling up seems especially crucial since fellow Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani will be rested following an injury while playing for Paris St. Germain against Suarez’s current club Barcelona.
The move to include Suarez is Coach Tabarez’s first after signing a new contract, which will see him retain his position as Uruguay coach until 2018.
Speaking to the press following the signing, Tabarez outlined the need for new players in addition to the likes of Suarez and Cavani.
“Obviously, we want to make a good run to earn a spot in Russia 2018: That has to be our biggest motivation. Since time is catching up on us, we want to do it with a new set of players, giving us more options for the future”.
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