Arata, who signed for French club Castres not long after his heroics in the World Cup four years ago, has recovered from a finger injury and will face Les Bleus in Lille on Thursday.
The 27-year-old half-back is one of five France-based players in the matchday squad but hooker German Kessler, who plays for second-tier Soyaux-Angouleme, misses the game with an injury.
Captain and centre Andres Vilaseca as well as replacement Agustin Ormaechea will become the first Uruguayans to play at three World Cups, and set a new appearance record in their ninth game.
After opening their campaign against hosts France, Uruguay, ranked 17th in the world, also face Italy, Namibia and New Zealand in Pool A.
