Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez leads his team on crutches as he battles rare Guillain-Barre syndrome inRussia
As Luis Suarez and Co took their place on the pitch to face Egypt on Friday, their coach Oscar Tabarez was being helped to the dug-out, using a crutch and the hand of an assistant to scale the steps of the Ekaterinburg Arena.
The 71-year-old, who has been in charge of the national team since 2006, is managing in his third World Cup with Uruguay.
But as his side battle to reach the knockout stages and continue their impressive recent record in major tournaments, the coach has another fight on his hands.
Uruguay manager Oscar Tabarez (left) suffers from the rare Guillain-Barre syndrome
The 71-year-old is leading Uruguay at his third World Cup but now requires a crutch and help
Tabarez makes his way towards the bench ahead of his side's clash with Egypt on Friday
Tabarez suffes from Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare and degenerative disease that attacks the body's nervous system and causes muscular weaknesses in the limbs and chest. It can eventually cause paralysis.
WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?
A very rare and serious condition that affects the nerves.
It mainly affects the feet, hands and limbs, causing problems such as numbness, weakness and pain.
It can be treated and most people will eventually make a full recovery, although it can occasionally be life-threatening and some people are left with long-term problems.
In severe cases, you may have difficulty moving, walking, breathing and/or swallowing.
Source: NHS
The manager was diagnosed with the serious condition in 2016 and was expected to leave his post for the sake of his health.
At the time, he required a walking stick and electric wheelchair but vowed to carry on working.
'I am not living with any pain. This neuropathy sometimes causes me problems, especially to walk. But since this is a chronic illness, sometimes I am a little better,' he said at the time.
His condition improved somewhat in the lead up to the showpiece in Russia but he still needs crutches and those around him to help his ailing body cope with the demands of international management.
On Friday in Yekaterinburg, he had to be helped by a member of his backroom staff to his seat, where he watched his side begin their Group A campaign in Russia.
The boss was diagnosed with the serious condition in 2016 and was expected to leave his post
His side struggled for long periods against Egypt - who had Mo Salah on the bench on Friday
Tabarez took Uruguay to the semi-finals in 2010, thanks in no small part to Luis Suarez's 'save' in the quarter-final against Ghana.
They were knocked out at the last-16 stage four years later but in Russia they are tipped to go deep into the tournament once more.
Their veteran coach is nicknamed 'El Maestro' (The Teacher) because he used to work at a school and has improved the side's disciplinary problems.
On the field on Friday, however, his side laboured against their unfancied opponents – who were without Mo Salah from the start.
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