Suarez Absent From Uruguay's Match Against Brazil Due To Being Positive For COVID-19

Luis Suarez (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Atletico Madrid and Uruguay national team striker Luis Suarez has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the World Cup qualifier against the visiting team BraSil, Uruguay national team's official statement said on Monday.

"Tests have been carried out on all members of the national team, with the result that Luis Suarez, Rodrigo Munoz (goalkeeper) and the official, Matias Faral, have tested positive for COVID-19," said an official statement from the Uruguay football federation.

The three added to the list of players infected with the corona virus after previously, defender Matias Vina also tested positive on Saturday after Uruguay's 3-0 victory over visiting team Colombia in Baranquilla.

Uruguay host Brazil in Montevideo on Tuesday.

Previously, Suarez discussed his team's chances of winning the La Liga title ahead of next week's fight against his former club Barcelona.

Suarez said that his team's strong start to the season gave them the lead over Barcelona.

Atletico have won five of their first seven games and are the only team unbeaten in the Spanish league, while reigning champions Real Madrid and Barca have lost twice each.

Real Sociedad are top of the table with 20 points while Atletico are third with 17, but still have two games left to play. Real Madrid are fourth, while Barca are eighth.

"It looks like a very tight league, and whoever makes the fewest mistakes from the start can win it," Suarez said in an interview with Marca.

“From being at Barcelona, I know if you start the season badly and drop points, it's very difficult to catch up with the leaders. If you want to win the league, you have to be solid and convincing from the start. "

The Uruguay international also discussed the situation at his former club, but he knows Barcelona will keep trying until the end.

"Things are not going well for Barca, but we know they will fight until the end. If we continue to believe in ourselves and keep this good start, why can't we dream of winning it?"

Suarez has helped lead Atletico's front line with five goals since moving from Barca on a free transfer in September.

His Portuguese team-mate Joao Felix has also scored five goals, reaching his best after a difficult first season in Spain.

Suarez said that the key to ensuring the 20-year-old continues to shine is not to give him too much responsibility.

"Great teams are formed when every player feels equal," added Suarez. "He is growing very rapidly now and with the right level of confidence can achieve great things and make a difference for us. However, we need to make sure all the responsibility does not fall on him."