Denmark’s preparations for Tuesday’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Scotland have been disrupted by a sickness bug affecting key players. Head coach Brian Riemer confirmed that Joachim Andersen and Rasmus Højlund missed Saturday’s surprising 0-0 draw with Belarus due to illness, and a staff member has also fallen sick. With fears the bug could spread, Riemer admitted concern but said the medical team is working to contain it.
Despite Scotland’s 3-2 loss to Greece, the draw in Copenhagen means they can still qualify automatically. Denmark top Group C by one point and need only a draw at Hampden Park, while a Scotland victory would secure their first World Cup place since 1998.
Riemer said Denmark are doing “everything we can” to prevent further cases and still expect to have a full squad available: “We hope we have put a plug in it … but I can’t tell you what the situation is right now.”
Scotland manager Steve Clarke urged fans to stay positive and back the team throughout the night: “Play with the anticipation of success and not the fear of failure … If we get that, I’m pretty sure we can do something special.”
