体坛英语新闻：Uruguay boss Tabarez puts faith in youth for friendlies

MONTEVIDEO, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- The absence of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Godin for Uruguay's upcoming friendlies against Costa Rica and the United States will provide a chance for a host of younger players to shine, according to Celeste head coach Oscar Tabarez.

Those likely to be given an opportunity to impress include uncapped forwards Brian Rodriguez, Matias Vina and Darwin Nunez.

"It's a chance for others to step up and for players who have already had experience in major tournaments to assume leadership roles," Tabarez told reporters.

"It's not the first time we've had to deal with something like this. At the end of 2018 all of our defenders were injured, even our back ups."

While urging his squad's younger players to take their chances, Tabarez said he would be "careful" not to ask too much of them.

Two-time World Cup winners Uruguay will meet Costa Rica in San Jose on September 6 and the United States in St Louis four days later.

The fixtures will be Uruguay's first outings since their Copa America quarterfinal defeat to Peru on penalties in June.