Manchester United's incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino has been handed his first injury concern before officially starting work, with Patrick Dorgu sent back to the club after failing to prove his fitness for Denmark's upcoming matches.
Dorgu came off the bench last weekend to assist Joshua Zirkzee's late goal against Aston Villa, and minutes later saw a last-gasp equaliser in the 4-4 draw. It was a remarkable 24-minute cameo in his first appearance for United in a little under two months, having only recently returned to training after a hamstring injury.
Denmark sends Dorgu home for rehabilitation
A statement from the Denmark FA on Friday read: "Patrick Dorgu has undergone a series of tests ahead of the matches, but unfortunately will not be fully fit in time."
The Denmark team doctor, Morten Boesen, said: "We have carried out a series of tests on Dorgu, and he has not performed well enough to be ready to play in the two matches. He needs further recovery time after his injury, so we are sending him home for additional rehabilitation."
Riemer had warned of lingering issues
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer had earlier told Tipsbladet: "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."
"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."
Dorgu will now be assessed at Manchester United ahead of Pochettino's first day on the job, next Wednesday. Pochettino is expected to oversee first-team training for the first time on Wednesday, November 18, with his first game against Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
