GER vs DEN, Euro 2024 round of 16: Rudiger back, Eriksen absent before Germany vs Denmark

Rudiger’s potential absence was a threat for Germany, who is already set to do without fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah, who misses the game with a yellow card suspension.

Germany’s Antonio Rudiger reacts. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Germany defender Antonio Rudiger on Friday returned to training ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Denmark, having missed earlier sessions with a hamstring strain.

Denmark however will be forced to sweat on the fitness of midfielder Christian Eriksen, who did not take the pitch in the Danes’ pre-match training session, for what coach Kasper Hjulmand described as “stomach issues.”

Hjulmand said Thomas Delaney also experienced the same problems. “We decided that they would not train,” Hjulmand said. “Hopefully they will be ready for tomorrow.”

Asked specifically about Eriksen, Hjulmand said the Manchester United midfielder travelled separately to the rest of the squad for a walk around Dortmund’s stadium, where Saturday’s match will be played, but expects him to be ready.

Rudiger’s potential absence was a threat for Germany, who is already set to do without fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah, who misses the game with a yellow card suspension.

The Real Madrid defender was in high spirits at Friday’s session, joking with Jamal Musiala while doing laps of the pitch at the German training base in Herzogenaurach.

Rudiger injured his hamstring towards the end of Germany’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the final group game but played on and completed the match.

Nico Schlotterbeck, who faced off against Rudiger in the Champions League final with club side Borussia Dortmund in June, will take Tah’s place in central defence.