Uruguay's Cavani has swollen calf, not tear, as France loom

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia (Reuters) - Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani has a painful calf swelling but not a muscle tear, the country's football federation (FCF) said on Monday, increasing his chances of being fit for Friday's World Cup quarter-final with France.

(Reuters)

Cavani scored two brilliant goals against Portugal in Uruguay's 2-1 last 16 victory on Saturday, before limping off with the assistance of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now he is fighting for a full recovery so he can again lead the line with Luis Suarez against France in Nizhny Novgorod.

A scan showed swelling in Cavani's left calf muscle but no torn fibres, the FCF said in a statement.

"The player remains in pain. He will continue to do individual work and rehabilitation. His evolution is being monitored," it said. "The rest of the squad is fine."

(Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Ken Ferris)