Denmark’s preparations for Tuesday’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Scotland have been disrupted by a sickness bug affecting players and staff. Head coach Brian Riemer confirmed that Joachim Andersen and Rasmus Højlund both missed Saturday’s shock 1-1 draw with Belarus due to illness, along with a staff member.
The result keeps Scotland’s qualifying hopes alive despite their 3-2 loss to Greece. Denmark lead Group C by one point, meaning a draw at Hampden Park would secure their place at the World Cup, while Scotland must win to reach their first finals since 1998.
Riemer admitted his concern about the situation but hopes the outbreak has been contained: “It’s the season for such things … We are doing everything we can, and right now the assessment is that we will have 24 men ready to play on Tuesday.”
He added that the team is monitoring the situation closely but cannot be certain no one else will fall ill before kickoff.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke urged supporters to stay positive and back the team throughout the match: “Play with the anticipation of success and not the fear of failure. In the difficult moments, be especially with us. If we get that, I’m pretty sure we can do something special.”
