Forlan: Suarez remains an option as new Uruguay era begins

Diego Forlan has opened the door to Luis Suarez returning to the Uruguay squad, saying the veteran striker could be recalled if he is available to play.

Forlan made the comments at the press conference introducing him as Uruguay’s new head coach, succeeding Argentina’s Marcelo Bielsa. A return for Suarez would mark a major comeback for the internationally recognised forward after his controversial omission from Uruguay’s squad for the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

“I have great respect for him. If he is available to play for us, then why not? No one can question his abilities,” said Forlan.

Suarez was left out of Uruguay’s squad for the tournament by Bielsa. The former head coach departed after the team suffered a shock first-round exit, a result that caused considerable disappointment among Uruguay’s football supporters.

Forlan stressed that a possible recall would not be driven by a shortage of goalscorers. Instead, he suggested Suarez’s experience and quality could provide an important addition to an attack that already contains several established players.

“We have many players who can score goals. The problem is not scoring goals and that is not what concerns me. We have great players at attacking level,” he said.

The remarks represent one of the clearest indications yet that Suarez could again be considered for international duty under Forlan. The new coach did not present the striker’s return as a solution to a specific weakness, but rather as a potential enhancement to the overall strength of the squad.

Forlan also spoke about the experience he hopes to bring to his first major coaching assignment with Uruguay. The former international said his long career as a player would help him guide the current generation.

“I trust that I can pass on my accumulated experience. Coaching is a profession I enjoy very much,” Forlan said.

His responsibilities will extend beyond the senior side. The coach said he was keen to work with Uruguay’s under-20 players while also preparing the senior team for upcoming matches in March.

“As for the under-20 team, I like developing them. As for the first team, there will be matches in March and it will be an honour to coach them and give them my extensive experience,” he said.

Forlan’s plans therefore combine an immediate focus on the senior national team with a longer-term effort to develop Uruguay’s next generation. His comments about Suarez have nevertheless provided the most striking early indication of the direction he may take, with the veteran potentially offered another opportunity to represent La Celeste.