Uruguay is looking to rebound from a disappointing loss in the team's World Cup opener when it takes on England on Thursday in São Paulo, but it will need to do so without the services of captain Diego Lugano.

Lugano suffered a left knee injury that will force him to miss the critical Group D match, which leaves Oscar Tabarez's side with a big hole to fill on defense. The Uruguay Football Association states that the injury has worsened in recent days, but after undergoing a MRI surgery should not be required.

With a loss on Thursday, Uruguay would have its knockout stage hopes all but extinguished.

The team is expected to have star striker Luis Suarez back after he reportedly told teammates he was 100 percent fit. Suarez did not play in Uruguay's shock 3-1 loss to Costa Rica in the team's Group D opener.