Luis Suárez was pictured in a wheelchair on Thursday, as Newcastle defender Paul Dummett was the subject of online death threats from Uruguay fans that blamed him for the injury that which could jeopardise the Liverpool striker's World Cup.
The Uruguay Football Association clarified Suárez had undergone minor knee surgery, suggesting he damaged the meniscus in Liverpool's final match of the season against Newcastle.
Suárez's arthroscopic surgery lasted about 30 minutes and he is likely to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks but Uruguay officials remain confident he will be fit for the World Cup. Uruguay's first match is against Costa Rica on June 15 before they face England in Sao Paolo on June 19.
Suárez leaves a clinic in a wheelchair in Montevideo after surgery on Thursday
The assurances were not enough to prevent a furious reaction from several Uruguay supporters on Twitter, including menacing warnings for 22-year-old full-back Dummett, who collided with Suarez towards the end of Liverpool's victory at Anfield.
Dummett was sent off after catching Suarez in what looked an accidental collision, and his red card was later rescinded.
Dummett was harshly sent off against Liverpool earlier this month
One Twitter user, Federico Gonzalez (@FicoGonzalez13) wrote: "Hi @PaulDummett, from Uruguay we hope someday u come here to have a nice time w/ friends. We have things for you, like a bullet in the head."
There had been no report of an injury for Suarez as a result of the challenge, but he complained of pains at the start of Uruguay's training camp and was sent for an MRI scan.
Luis Suárez's Liverpool Career
Liverpool FC Present New Signings Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez(01 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: (THE SUN OUT) ***EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE*** New signings Andy Carroll (C) and Luis Suarez (L) of Liverpool pose for a photograph in their shirts as they touch the This is Anfield sign next to manager Kenny Dalglish at Anfield on February 3, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool FC Present New Signings Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez(02 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: (THE SUN OUT) ***EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE*** Kenny Dalglish manager of Liverpool poses with new signings Andy Carroll (L) and Luis Suarez (R) at Anfield on February 3, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool's Argentinian forward Luis Sua(03 of32)
Liverpool's Argentinian forward Luis Suarez (R) scores on his debut during their English Premier League football match against Stoke City at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England, on February 02, 2011. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS - FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY Additional licence required for any commercial/promotional use or use on TV or internet (except identical online version of newspaper) of Premier League/Football League photos. Tel DataCo +44 207 2981656. Do not alter/modify photo. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Manchester United- Premier League(04 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MARCH 06: Rafael Da Silva of Manchester United clashes with Steven Gerrard, Raul Meireles and Luis Suarez of Liverpool during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on March 6, 2011 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Everton's English midfielder Jack Rodwell(05 of32)
Everton's English midfielder Jack Rodwell (R) is sent off for this challenge on Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (2nd R) by referee Martin Atkinson (2nd L) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England on October 1, 2011. AFP PHOTO/IAN KINGTON RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suáre(06 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez (L) exchanges words with Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England, on October 15 2011. Liverpool have denied on October 16 Suarez abused Evra during the match, the BBC reported. French and British media quoted Evra after the game as telling French broadcaster Canal+ that Suarez had racially abused him several times during the match. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suáre(07 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suárez (L) exchanges words with Manchester United's French defender Patrice Evra during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England, on October 15 2011. Liverpool have denied on October 16 Suarez abused Evra during the match, the BBC reported. French and British media quoted Evra after the game as telling French broadcaster Canal+ that Suarez had racially abused him several times during the match. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Wigan Athletic v Liverpool - Premier League(08 of32)
WIGAN, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Luis Suarez (C) jokes with Jose Enrique (R) and Maxi Rodriguez (L) of Liverpool as the teams warm up ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Liverpool at the DW Stadium on December 21, 2011 in Wigan, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's English midfielder S(09 of32)
Tottenham Hotspur's English midfielder Scott Parker (2L) vies with Liverpool's Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez during the English Premier league football match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in Liverpool, north-west England on February 6 2012. AFP PHOTO/ANDREW YATES. RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur - Premier League(10 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 06: Luis Suarez of Liverpool speaks to Scott Parker of Tottenham Hotspur after challenging him during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on February 6, 2012 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League(11 of32)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Patrice Evra of Manchester United celebrates while Luis Suarez of Liverpool walks off after the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on February 11, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier League(12 of32)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Luis Suarez of Liverpool refuses to shake the hand of Patrice Evra of Manchester United ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on February 11, 2012 in Manchester, England. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Norwich City v Liverpool - Premier League(13 of32)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: (L-R) Luis Suarez of Liverpool is congratulated by a Liverpool fan after scoring his team's third goal and completing his hat trick during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool at Carrow Road on April 28, 2012 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Everton - FA Cup Semi Final(14 of32)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 14: Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates as he scores their first goal during the FA Cup with Budweiser Semi Final match between Liverpool and Everton at Wembley Stadium on April 14, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Chelsea - FA Cup Final(15 of32)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Luis Suarez of Liverpool and Jordan Henderson of Liverpool run over to speak to the assistant referee during the FA Cup with Budweiser Final match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 5, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Manchester United - Premier League(16 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 23: Patrice Evra of Manchester United shakes hands with Luis Suarez of Liverpool before the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield on September 23, 2012 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Norwich City v Liverpool - Premier League(17 of32)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Luis Suarez of Liverpool claims the match ball after scoring a hat-trick during the Barclays Premier League match between Norwich City and Liverpool at Carrow Road on September 29, 2012 in Norwich, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-EVERTON-LIVERPOOL(18 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (R) celebrates by diving in front of the Everton bench as Everton's Scottish manager David Moyes (2nd L) looks on after Liverpool take the lead in the English Premier League football match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England on October 28, 2012. Earlier this week David Moyes urged referee Andre Marriner not to fall for the play-acting of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Newcastle United - Premier League(19 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Luis Suarez of Liverpool scores his team's first goal past Tim Krul of Newcastle United during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield on November 4, 2012 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Mansfield Town v Liverpool - FA Cup Third Round(20 of32)
MANSFIELD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 06: Luis Suarez of Liverpool appears to control the ball with his hand during the FA Cup with Budweiser Third Round match between Mansfield Town and Liverpool at One Call Stadium on January 6, 2013 in Mansfield, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Soccer - UEFA Europa League - Round of 16 - Second Leg - Liverpool v Zenit St. Petersburg - Anfield(21 of32)
Liverpool's Luis Suarez shows his dejection after the final whistle (credit:PA)
Wigan Athletic v Liverpool - Premier League(22 of32)
WIGAN, ENGLAND - MARCH 02: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Luis Suarez of Liverpool with the hat-trick ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Wigan Athletic and Liverpool at DW Stadium on March 2, 2013 in Wigan, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CHELSEA-SUAREZ(23 of32)
ALTERNATIVE CROP Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (R) clashes with Chelsea's Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic (L) after appearing to bite the Chelsea player during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on April 21, 2013. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez on April 21 apologised for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during the sides' 2-2 Premier League draw at Anfield. The incident occurred mid-way through the second half, with Liverpool trailing 2-1 following a tussle in the penalty area. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CHELSEA(24 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (R) clashes with Chelsea's Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic (L) after appearing to bite the Chelsea player during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on April 21, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CHELSEA(25 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez (3rd R) pats Chelsea's Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic (L) on the head after the Chelsea player complains to referee Kevin Friend (2nd L) about being bitten during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Chelsea at the Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England, on April 21, 2013. The game finished 2-2. AFP PHOTO / ANDREW YATES RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-HILLSBOROUGH(26 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez leaves after a memorial service at Liverpool FC's Anfield football ground in Liverpool, north-west England on April 15, 2013 on the 24th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster where 96 of the club's supporters died at the FA Cup semi final against Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield in 1989. AFP PHOTO / PAUL ELLIS (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(27 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Luis Suarez of Liverpool watches from the stands during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers at Anfield on May 19, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Queens Park Rangers - Premier League(28 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Luis Suarez of Liverpool performs a lap of honour with daughter Delfina after the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Queens Park Rangers at Anfield on May 19, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Liverpool v Norwich City - Premier League(29 of32)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 4: Luis Suarez celebrates the goal of team mate Raheem Sterling during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Norwich City at Anfield on December 4, 2013 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Cardiff City v Liverpool - Premier League(30 of32)
CARDIFF, WALES - MARCH 22: Luis Suarez of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal of the game during the Barclays Premier League match between Cardiff City and Liverpool at Cardiff City Stadium on March 22, 2014 in Cardiff, Wales. (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-WEST BROM(31 of32)
Liverpool's Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez celebrates scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, northwest England on October 26, 2013. AFP PHOTO/LINDSEY PARNABYRESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Premier League(32 of32)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Luis Suarez of Liverpool reacts following his team's 3-3 draw during the Barclays Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on May 5, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)