Uruguay keep France guessing over Cavani fitness

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has refused to reveal if Edinson Cavani will play in his team's World Cup quarterfinal against France as the striker battles to recover from injury.

Cavani was forced off with a hamstring strain late in Uruguay's 2-1 victory over Portugal in the round of 16 on Saturday.

On Thursday, the 31-year-old provided hope that he could be available for Friday's duel in Nizhny Novgorod as he trained lightly away from the main group during a 15-minute period open to reporters.

"He's a very important player for us and he was really playing very well," Tabarez told a news conference. "As soon as he got injured he began working hard to recover and fulfill his dream.

Cavani has scored three goals so far in the World Cup, including a brace in the victory over Portugal. His absence would likely mean a starting berth is given to Girona forward Cristhian Stuani.

Tabarez added: "I'm not going to say anything more about Cavani, I don't want to get into games... Soon you will know who will play and who will be on the bench... Forgive me that you're not going to have all the information, as I have neither about the French."

The 71-year-old declined to entertain thoughts that Uruguay could win their second World Cup and their first since 1950.

"We know what kind of country we are, how many inhabitants we have, our characteristics, our limitations," Tabarez said. "We are never the favorites... If we think about winning the World Cup, we need to keep that for private moments. If not, it is not good for our focus and our concentration."