Boost for Denmark as Eriksen returns for Manchester United

Denmark have been boosted following Christian Eriksen’s return to action at Manchester United after missing one match due to illness.

Eriksen has been conspicuous with his absence after failing to recover from an undisclosed illness.

He missed the Red Devils’ last match against Newcastle. On Wednesday, he was introduced in the 87th minute against his former paymasters Tottenham Hotspur.

Having been a key figure at Manchester, he is expected to steer the Danish team at the World Cup.

He has made 12 appearances in all competitions under Erik ten Hag, establishing himself as a key figure.

They, however, missed his creativity when they drew 0-0 with Newcastle last weekend. They went on to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Wednesday.

His return is a relief for both Manchester United and Denmark, as nations step up preparations for the global showcase.

“Christian Eriksen returned in the team training today. We have to see how that works out. How he will recover if he has the energy tomorrow, so we have to wait for that,” Erik Ten Hag revealed prior to their Tottenham clash.

“We miss him when he’s not available. But we have a squad and another 11 players on the pitch. 

“So then we have to construct another team, and we can bring players from the bench, who are all good.

“I know you’re from Denmark, and want to know. I want to express he’s played fantastic, at this moment, for us. In our team, he really contributes to what we are at this moment. 

Denmark were drawn in Group D along with the defending champions France, Australia and Tunisia.

In this group, France are the natural favourites to emerge on top, with Denmark recognised as their main threat.

In their last meeting, Kasper Hjulmand’s men beat France 2-0. It makes them a team to watch in this group and, ultimately, the whole tourney.

They were impressive in their qualifiers, having won nine out of the 10 games. Denmark kept eight clean sheets, a cut above all the European team in the World Cup finals.

The Reds and Whites will be fancying their chances of going beyond the knockout stage for the fifth time in six attempts. Tunisia have never gone beyond this stage but will hope to break the jinx and go beyond the group stage.

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