The Liverpool striker says that while he shed “three little tears” at being told he’d have to undergo knee surgery, he never feared he’d have to sit out Brazil 2014

Uruguay star Luis Suarez says there is no chance of him missing this summer’s World Cup through injury.

The Liverpool forward was forced to undergo surgery on the meniscus in his left knee at the tail end of last month, sparking fears that the 27-year-old might be ruled out of the showpiece event in Brazil.

However, Suarez has revealed that at no point was there a chance of him sitting out the tournament.

“Emotionally, I’ve felt fine [throughout the recovery period],” the Reds attacker told the Guardian. “Psychologically, I’ve been spectacular.

“At no time did I feel pressured. At no time have I felt sad because at no point did I think there was a chance of me missing the World Cup. The thought never went through my mind.

“I could have really cried [in pain] because of this injury but I didn’t because I knew. I knew.

“When the doctor first spoke to me three little tears fell but no more. My wife said: ‘I can’t believe how strong you’re being.’ But I knew I’d make it.”

However, Suarez refused to be drawn on whether he feels he will be fit for Uruguay’s tournament opener against Costa Rica in Fortaleza on June 14.

“What you don’t know is how the knee will react,” he says. “Today, I could say to you: ‘Yeah, I’ll make it to the first game’. Or: ‘No, I prefer to wait for the second or the third’.

“But you only know for sure as you progress and you see how the knee reacts.”

After facing Costa Rica in the first game in Group D, Uruguay must then tackle England in Sao Paulo on June 19 before meeting Italy in Belo Horizonte on June 24.

The Chelsea legend has warned his national side against complacency against Roy Hodgson’s men and feels that the England defence is quicker than in previous World Cup campaigns

Gianfranco Zola has warned Italy against underestimating Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge.

The pair are likely to start for England against the Azzurri in the Group D opener, with the Manchester United forward bagging a goal in the 2-2 draw with Ecuador.

Sturridge started but failed to score in both of the Three Lions’ warm-up matches, but the former Chelsea talisman believes that both players can be key to success against his native side in Brazil.

“Italy has to be able to stop two stronger players like Sturridge and Rooney”, he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Zola also believes that Cesare Prandelli’s strikers must up their game against Roy Hodgson’s side, and believes that the England defence can stand up to the rigours of fast-paced tournament football better than in previous years.

“Italy has more expert players, England has younger player and two magnetic players like Gerrard and Lampard.

“In my opinion [Mario] Balotelli and [Antonio] Cassano could create some problems for England defenders, but unlike the past England defenders are less slow. Italy and England in general are similar squad with some certainty and more variables.”

The France attacker feels that if the Liverpool striker were to sign for Madrid, it would boost him, while Sunday’s match against Jamaica is not a case of him against Giroud

Karim Benzema says he would welcome competition from Luis Suarez for a place in the Real Madrid team should the Uruguay ace join the Spanish side this summer.

The European champions have been strongly linked to the 27-year-old, who enjoyed a record-breaking season with Brendan Rodgers’ side by netting 31 times in just 33 league matches.

If a move to the Spanish capital were to be completed, it would be Benzema’s place that would be most immediately under threat, though the France star has indicated that he would relish the challenge the South American would bring.

Speaking to Telefoot, he said: “There is always a lot of noise and [these rumours] will definitely not be keeping me up at night.

“Competition has never been a problem for me since childhood. It makes me raise my level.”

Benzema is set to play for France against Jamaica on Sunday evening, having missed Les Bleus’ two previous World Cup warm-up matches due to a slight injury issue.

In the meantime, Olivier Giroud is seen to have stolen a march on the former Lyon forward owing to his strong form, but ahead of the final rehearsal before Didier Deschamps takes his team to Brazil, Benzema does not see this as a make-or-break chance to ensure his place in the starting XI.

“It’s not a game between Giroud and me,” he explained. “Since I’ve played football, I have never got into such debates. It was the same with [Gonzalo] Higuain at Real Madrid.

“The main objective is to go as far as possible. I’ll be ready for the World Cup. I have been back in training and have recovered well from my little problems.”

France’s opening World Cup match is against Honduras on June 15.