Luis Suárez returns to Uruguay squad under Marcelo Bielsa

Luis Suarez is the latest addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for the games against Argentina and Bolivia. The Celeste striker has not played for his country since the 2022 World Cup in Qatar but his fine form with Gremio has seen him make a return.

In his last four Gremio games, Suárez has scored five goals, provided three assists and also earned a penalty. Thanks to his contribution, Gremio have now won four in a row and are level at the top of the table with Botafogo and Palmeiras. Last Thursday, the former Barcelona man scored a hat-trick against Botafogo.

“Suárez has converted and assisted a very high amount,” Bielsa told a press conference when announcing his squad. “One way to take care of a player’s self-esteem is to call him up when he can be important,” he stressed.

“If he plays very well but doesn’t score, he wouldn’t feel good, I imagine. If he doesn’t play well and converts, he would feel good because that’s what he plays and those are his characteristics,” Bielsa added.

In addition to Suárez, Bielsa had Edinson Cavani in his squad, but the Boca man has been left out through injury. The 36-year-old striker came off in the last game against Newell‘s with a muscle tear. Federico Viñas has been called up in his place.

Trying to stop Messi

“There is no method or procedure effective enough for Messi, who is the best player in the world, justifiably and undoubtedly in my opinion,” Bielsa continued. “You would have to ask him what is the best way to stop him.”

Defending Darwin

“Nobody plays in one of the best teams in the world for no reason. You don’t play if you are not mature and very strong mentally. He’s at one of the best clubs and they don’t admit defeat, that’s what defines the great teams.”

Araújo at full-back

“[Ronald] Araújo is an extraordinary centre-back and he can also play at full-back.”