Denmark lose Patrick Dorgu and are at a disadvantage against Portugal
On Monday, Denmark announced that left‑back Patrick Dorgu will not take part in the remaining fixtures of the international break, after suffering a left‑leg injury during the 30 minutes he played against Wales in the Nations League, which prevents him from playing the match against Portugal.
Injury and medical assessment
Brian Riemer explained that Dorgu is still not ready for next week and that further examinations will determine the length of his absence. The player was immediately referred to Manchester United's medical department, where he will be reassessed before returning to training.
The 21‑year‑old defender is under contract with the Red Devils until 2030 and, at this point in the season, has already recorded eight appearances and two assists for the club.
Impact on the Danish national team
Dorgu's withdrawal marks the fifth absence in Denmark's squad, joining Alexander Bah, Andreas Christensen, Albert Gronbaek and Kasper Dolberg. The team still has two Nations League games before the end of the break, including the match against Portugal on Thursday night and the second clash with Wales over the weekend.
Riemer suggested possible replacements, naming Anders Dreyer, Andreas Skov Olsen, who has had a good start in Turkey, or perhaps one of the young call‑ups.
For Manchester United, Dorgu's injury comes at a delicate moment; the player has already made six appearances this season and recorded a couple of assists, but the club hopes the issue will not keep him out for long.
Other United players also face absences: captain Bruno Fernandes is out of the Portugal squad, while Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were forced to leave the England team, and Benjamin Šeško, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte remain unavailable for the club.
With the match against Portugal approaching, Denmark awaits the results of the examinations to determine whether Dorgu can return to the squad or if the replacement suggested by Riemer will take the field.