Denmark manager Brian Riemer says Manchester United‘s Patrick Dorgu is working on regaining full fitness and it isn’t certain that he will start during this international break.
The 22-year-old picked up a hamstring injury in January and was out of action for 92 days. He returned to action towards the end of last season and started the season with Manchester United.
Riemer had him in his squad for the last international break. Dorgu suffered a setback in the 2-0 UEFA Nations League win over Wales in September.
Manchester United player not fully fit
At that time, Brian Riemer confirmed the Denmark international couldn’t continue with the national team, forcing him to withdraw from the squad.
Patrick Dorgu returned to action in Manchester United’s 4-4 draw against Aston Villa last weekend. He came on in the 66th minute and assisted Joshua Zirkzee’s goal before scoring the late equaliser.
The former Lecce man then joined the Denmark squad and Tipsbladet states he trained with the group on Wednesday. The outlet have also relayed the coach’s comments about the winger, who can also operate as a fullback.
“Dorgu arrived and trained with the rest of the national team on Wednesday. He’s still on his way back. The fact that he got those minutes against Aston Villa and did a fantastic job should be taken with a grain of salt,” he said.
“There are still some lingering issues with the major muscle injury he suffered. We need to make sure it doesn’t flare up again. We’re optimistic, and we also believe things will go well.”
“But he’s a player we need to be careful with. As for what that means in terms of matches and playing time, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Substitute role likely for Dorgu
Denmark will face Portugal later this weekend and Norway on November 17th in the UEFA Nations League.
Brian Riemer admits it’s not certain for Patrick Dorgu to start in both matches because he recently returned from injury.
“It’s possible we’ll have to wait until Tuesday to use Dorgu. It’s also still very uncertain whether he’ll be able to start. He’s a player we need to think of as a substitute during this camp,” Riemer explained.
“We’re in close communication with United; we had a long meeting with them via Teams on Wednesday. All the doctors and physical therapists have spoken with one another.”
NT’s agreement with Manchester United
The Denmark boss confirms that there’s no intention to upset Manchester United over Patrick Dorgu’s situation.
“The rules are crystal clear. The moment United puts him on the field in the match against Villa, he’s eligible for selection to the national team, unless United can point to a secondary injury,” he added.
“But it’s not as if we’re going to insist on our rights no matter what. We’re interested in doing what’s right for the player. It is about having a dialogue, and we have had that.”
Brian Riemer also thanked the Red Devils for letting the player join the national team while having concerns over his fitness.
“They’re very concerned about their player, and we’d like to have him available. But there are clear guidelines, and we’ve followed the rules. No one is upset, and no one is trying to cheat,” Riemer concluded.
“United sent Dorgu to us even though they know he needs to be looked after. That’s a huge vote of confidence they’re showing in our national team.”
