Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has said there is a chance that Patrick Dorgu could be involved in next month’s World Cup qualification play-offs.
Dorgu, 21, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal. The wide player subsequently missed all four of their matches in February, but there appears to be an opportunity for him to return during March.
United host Crystal Palace on Sunday before travelling to Newcastle United in midweek. They then have 11 days without a game before welcoming Aston Villa to Old Trafford, followed by a visit to Bournemouth.
That trip to the south coast is their final fixture before this season’s last international break. The fortnight will be an eventful one for Dorgu’s Denmark, who have yet to qualify for the World Cup.
After finishing second in UEFA Group C behind Scotland, they host North Macedonia in Copenhagen on 26 March. If they win that semi-final, Denmark would play away against the winner of the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland for a spot in this summer’s tournament.
Dorgu featured in all but one of their qualifiers, playing every minute of the last two in November and scoring an equaliser during the 4-2 defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park. As such, the Denmark head coach seems to be holding out hope he will be able to play some part.
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Reimer has told Viaplay: “Right now, he is reported injured by Manchester United, and he is until April. I know that Patrick has a dream to be ready.
“I think his biggest motivation right now, when he is running around in that training room, is that he wants to beat the crap out of us all and then be ready for that game.” Reimer added: “I will only help him keep that dream alive as long as the opportunity exists.”
United head coach Michael Carrick has not provided an update on Dorgu since confirming his player would be out for a period of time. He said in late January: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s gonna be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be, so we’ll have to see.
“He’s disappointed; he’s had such a big couple of weeks.” Dorgu scored against Arsenal before getting injured, and also got a goal in the previous week’s Manchester derby.
Carrick continued: “We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or something a little bit more serious, and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious note so it’ll be a few weeks for that. How many weeks? We’ll have to wait and see.
“That’s disappointing for all of us, really. Pat was in such a good place, but unfortunately, it’s football, and it’s something we’ve got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”
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