Denmark Faces Major Setback: Riemer Forced to Revamp Squad as Key Players Depart

Brian Riemer, the head coach of the Danish national football team, has been compelled to adjust his squad for the returning leg of the Nations League quarter-final against Portugal, following the departure of Joachim Maehle and Mikkel Damsgaard, as confirmed by the Danish Football Association (DBU) on Friday.

The DBU revealed that both Joakim Maehle and Mikkel Damsgaard have exited the Danish camp.

In a fortunate turn of events, the 27-year-old left back will miss the return match due to personal reasons; his wife is due to give birth, and Maehle will remain in Wolfsburg to be by her side.

Joakim Maehle was instrumental in Denmark’s 1-0 victory over Portugal in Copenhagen on Thursday, playing the full match.

Mikkel Damsgaard, unfortunately, was absent from Thursday’s fixture due to illness, and it appears he won’t recover in time for the second leg, prompting his exit from the squad as well.

As a result, Victor Kristiansen has been called up as the sole replacement, leaving Denmark with 22 players in their squad.

Besides the crucial chance to progress to the Nations League semi-finals, the outcome of the match against Portugal will also affect Denmark’s World Cup qualification. A victory would mean a spot in Group F, whereas a loss would place Denmark in Group C.