Injured Man Utd duo pull out of international duty

Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund have both pulled out of the Denmark squad due to injury.

The Manchester United duo were both taken off in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Luton Town after receiving on-field treatment. Eriksen slipped awkwardly in the latter stages of the first half and, after continuing for about five minutes, was replaced by Mason Mount. Hojlund, meanwhile, went down twice and appeared to be holding his calf, before going off in the 79th minute.

Speaking after the match, Erik ten Hag said he was unsure how serious the injuries were. “In this moment I can’t say anything about it because I don’t know,” the Dutchman said, when asked about Hojlund’s injury.

“We do an assessment but have to wait for 24 hours to see what is the conclusion. Give them, the medical [team], 24 hours to see what is the problem, if there is a problem.”

On Eriksen, he added: “He slipped but it is the same. We have to do an assessment, set a diagnosis and then the conclusion. Then we will know where we are.”

But on Monday, both players pulled out of the Denmark squad. In a statement released on social media on Monday morning, the Danish national team said: “Substitution in the squad. Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Højlund have both been injured and unfortunately have to cancel the upcoming games.

“National coach Kasper Hjulmand has instead selected Jesper Lindstrøm and Jens Stryger Larsen for the decisive qualifying matches. A very good recovery for the United duo and a big welcome to the squad for Jobbe and Stryger.”

The double withdrawal poses another concern in what has been an injury-plagued season for Ten Hag, and the Danes join Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro and Amad on the club's list of absentees.