Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen of Denmark (AP)
Manchester United will be without Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen while both have been withdrawn from Denmark’s squad for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund strained a muscle in his right leg in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Luton Town and could be out for two weeks, the Premier League club said Monday.
The Denmark striker was substituted in the second half after holding the back of his right leg in discomfort.
Christian Eriksen is expected to be out for about a month after injuring his left knee in the same match.
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Despite Hojlund’s five goals in four Champions League appearances for the club, United are on the brink of elimination ahead of their visit to Istanbul on November 29.
Semi-finalists at Euro 2020, the Danes need a maximum of two points to secure qualification for Germany next year.
“Christian has a knee injury that is set to keep him out for around a month, while striker Rasmus suffered a muscle strain. It is hoped he will return before the end of November,” United said in a statement on Monday.
Erik ten Hag has pointed to a huge list of injuries as mitigation for United’s poor performances this season.
Defenders Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw have missed most of the season, while influential midfielder Casemiro is also currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.
United are sixth in the Premier League, seven points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
But they are in an even more precarious position in the Champions League after three defeats in four games in Group A.
Defeat to Galatasaray would seal their exit, while a draw would leave Ten Hag’s men having to beat Bayern Munich in their final match to have any chance of reaching the last 16.
Erik ten Hag’s team are sixth in the Premier League standings after their worst start to a season since 1962.
Denmark’s Manchester United pair – Hojlund and Eriksen – have withdrawn from the squad for their next two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Second-placed Denmark, who face Slovenia on Friday and Northern Ireland on Monday, are level on 19 points with Group H leaders Slovenia. The Danes will qualify if they beat Slovenia.
(With inputs from Agencies)