Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka may be left disappointed by the news that top scorer Cristhian Stuani could feature in the upcoming international break for Uruguay despite being out of action for the last six Boro games with a double muscle tear.
Stuani picked up the injury while on international duty with Uruguay during the last break, and hasn't played a minute for the Championship since then.
However, according to reports from South America quoted in The Gazette, Uruguay manager Óscar Tabárez has recently said that "all invited players are available".
Karanka would prefer to see Stuani rest
Former Real Madrid defender and assistant manager Karanka had revealed last week that he had hoped Stuani would be available to face Hull City at the weekend, but the 29-year-old had not been passed 100% fit.
As a result, Stuani was forced to watch from afar as Boro were comprehensively beaten 3-0 in the top of the table clash with the Tigers, though he was expected to return after the international break in time to face Queens Park Rangers.
Karanka noted that while Stuani's groin tear was healed, his hamstring injury was not yet fully recovered and he preferred to wait until he was fully match ready before entering him back into the fray.
When Stuani returned to Teesside injured after the last international break, Karanka admitted that "of course" he was frustrated with Tabárez who, he pointed out, did not have to deal with the immediate ramifications of the forward's injury.
Stuani hopes to profit from Suárez absence
With Barcelona forward Luis Suárez unavailable for selection, Stuani himself will likely be eager to seize the opportunity to impress for his nation despite the reservations of his club manager.
The former Espanyol forward has played 26 times for his nation despite having to contend with Suárez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlán among others during his career, but he will be keen to add to his tally of six international goals.
Uruguay look to continue qualifying form
He has been called up to the squad to face Ecuador and Chile in the upcoming round of World Cup qualifiers, and is therefore likely to feature in some capacity, even if his fitness prevents him from playing a starting role.
Uruguay currently sit at the top of their qualifying group with wins from both of their opening games, though both of their upcoming opponents also claimed the maximum six points.