33-year-old defender Rasmus Lauge was forced to withdraw from the World Cup opening match against Algeria with a stomach injury following an incident while he was in action in defence.
And now Denmark's national coach, Nikolaj Jacobsen says that Lauge will definitely miss the match against Tunisia on Thursday evening.
"It's a small muscle injury in the stomach region that means he won't be in action tomorrow anyway. It is probably also highly doubtful that Rasmus can play more in the group stage, but let's see. He has impoved a lot just from last night to dinner today, so let's hope that the progress continues", said the national coach at a press conference Wednesday in Herning.
Nikolaj Jacobsen said that he does not want to rule out that Lauge will be included in the squad for the last group match against Italy, if things continue to go in the right direction.
Fingers crossed, but I'm not going to take any chances. Rasmus is too important for that - also in the long run.
Thomas Arnoldsen, who plays the same position as Lauge, also had to retire with a muscle injury.
"It's just a little worse than we dared to hope for. Things can progress quickly, but I would say that he is extremely doubtful for tomorrow" (Thursday)
"It is of course a shame that it is two players who are intended to play a very large role in managing our attacking play, and they also have important roles in defence. It is unfortunate. Also because these are injuries where you don't know how long they will be out for", said Nikolaj Jacobsen who confirmed that Mads Mensah would be given the chance to shine in the absence of Lauge and Arnoldsen.
Denmark will face Tunesia in their next match Thursday evening.