Luis Suarez has admitted that he is desperate for Edinson Cavani to recover from injury, but is hopeful that Uruguay can cope without his strike partner if he is absent against France.
Cavani limped off in the second half of La Celeste's 2-1 win against Portugal in Saturday night's World Cup last-16 tie in Sochi, having earlier netted both of his side's goals.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker damaged his hamstring in Nizhny Novgorod and has been unable to train with his teammates in the three days since pulling up.
Suarez, who has built up a strong understanding with Cavani in the forward line, expects others to step up if Uruguay's worst fears are realised.
"I include myself in the three million Uruguayans waiting for Edi," he told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. "I know it's complicated because the injury isn't easy and because there are few days left to recover, but I know that the desire, the attitude and the commitment he'll have to be there, although it doesn't depend much on him.
"He's essential, because of the kind of player he is, for what he has shown in every match he has played for the national team, not to mention in the present moment. he two goals he scored the other day, the team work he has in general, his physical exertion... all of it is important.
"This is a World Cup and Edi's form is very important, but there are players who can do it in the same way, and we hope even better than him. Things don't depend on just one player. Uruguay have shown we depend on collective work on the pitch."
Suarez has assisted 12 of Cavani's 45 international goals.
