The striker is still serving an eight-match
international ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup, meaning
he's almost certain to miss the Copa America
The president of Uruguay's FA Wilmar Valdez has conceded they are relying on a miracle to have Luis Suarez available for the Copa America.Only an 11th-hour appeal would give the Barcelona forward any hope of appearing for the defending champions in Chile next year after his eight-match international ban for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.
While Valdez revealed talks were ongoing with the Uruguayan body and Fifa , he is realistic about the chances of their star man appearing at the competition.
"We are still negotiating this issue with Fifa, but we almost have ran out of options, and the truth is that it will be a miracle if Luis can play at the Copa America," Valdez told reporters.
"So far we have been on the Saudi [Arabia] tour that we did in October, which we used to speak with Luis about his return to the national team after the World Cup.
"We discussed a lot of things with him, but we think that's in the past.
"Obviously, Luis knows that he made some mistakes, but anyway we still feel that some Fifa decisions during the World Cup, weren't right.
"But that is in the past, now we must focus in the present and on the future ahead."
Uruguay have not lost over 90 minutes in their six matches since their last 16 exit at the World Cup, with the South Americans' only defeat coming in a penalty shoot-out to Costa Rica after their friendly ended 3-3.
They have beaten Japan, South Korea, Oman and Copa America hosts Chile, while drawing with Saudi Arabia, though Valdez says Oscar Tabarez's men are still undergoing a rebuilding process.
"The team is okay. We are in a rebuilding phase.
"As you know, in the last few friendlies matches, including the last one here in Santiago - a very rough game against Chile, we use some experienced players but tried also some new younger ones that are showing promise.
"And of course, we are going to miss Luis Suarez, because he is a world class player.
"But we have belief in the national team and the process that has been going on for a few years in Uruguay."
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