Colombia coach Jose Pekerman on Friday said that Uruguay striker Luis Suarez's absence from Saturday's World Cup last-16 showdown between the sides will not affect his team's approach.

Suarez has been banned for nine international games and suspended from all football-related activity for four months after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini, but Pekerman was reluctant to discuss his case.

"This is currently a sensitive, delicate issue," the Argentine told a pre-game press conference at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium.

"As I understand it, it seems to me that our sole concern is Uruguay as a team. We're working in order to play against them tomorrow (Saturday)."

Even without their star striker, who scored twice in a 2-1 group-phase win over England, Pekerman believes that the South American champions remain a formidable proposition.

Asked for his thoughts on Suarez's punishment, he replied: "First of all, we've always thought of Uruguay and their strengths.

"These are top-level opponents that we're facing. It's a very experienced team with a lot of abilities and a wonderful coach (Oscar Tabarez), who've had a successful cycle in the last few years.

"They're going to be difficult opponents. I've been very busy dealing with Colombia and the problems we had in the past, with a lot of injured players.

"We're in the World Cup now, so let's think of Uruguay, who have a great team."