Barcelona striker Luis Suarez, limped off the field in tears after suffering a hamstring injury in the second half of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey triumph over Sevilla.
Suarez was hurt after over-stretching his right leg trying to reach a ball crossed to him inside the area. He limped off the pitch in the 57th minute after trying to carry on with the injury. The Uruguayan called for medical help but did not use the stretcher to get off the pitch.
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A hamstring tear could take a couple of months to heal while a strain takes a couple of weeks. Suarez might miss the upcoming Copa America tournament. He is expected to undergo tests on Monday to determine whether he will be fit for the centenary edition of the Copa America.
The Spanish post translates to, “Now wait tests tomorrow. I hope it's nothing and can be with my selection next week. Thanks for the support!!!!”
The Uruguayan looked to be in pain and possibly knew his injury was serious as he was in tears on the bench after being substituted. Suarez was consoled by his teammates and was pictured covering his face with his jersey, looking distraught.
Top scorer in La Liga
Suarez won the Pichichi trophy in Spain for being the highest scorer in La Liga this season and was arguably the deadliest frontman in Europe this season, scoring 59 goals in all competitions. He is a vital part of Oscar Tabarez’s Uruguay side and missing out on Suarez’s goal-scoring in the Copa will be a major disappointment for fans and neutrals alike.
Suarez’s goals were vital in Barcelona winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey, completing the domestic double. The 29-year-old was in imperious form in the title run in, scoring 14 goals in the last five matches played by Barcelona.
This year’s Copa America campaign is the centenary edition and is to be played in the United States, the first Copa to be played outside South America. Uruguay’s Copa America campaign starts on 5 June against Mexico. The rest of their group consists of Venezuela and Jamaica. Suarez’s fitness for the tournament is expected to be a touch and go affair.
Barcelona have declined to comment on the striker’s fitness and further updates will only be provided after the tests have been conducted on Suarez.