Luis Suarez needs knee surgery before World Cup

Uruguay: The Uruguayan Football Federation says striker Luis Suarez will have knee surgery on Thursday, and will be ready to play at the World Cup in June.

Suarez practiced on Wednesday in Montevideo and then underwent an exam after complaining about knee pain.

Uruguay's head of national team selections, Roberto Pastoriza, told newspaper El Pais "we are optimistic he can play in the World Cup."

Uruguay play its first match at the World Cup against Costa Rica on June 14. The two-time champions will also face England and Italy in Group D.