Big blow for Danes as Harder is ruled doubtful for crucial World Cup qualifier

Pernille Harder in action against Sweden
Pernille Harder in action against SwedenCredit: ČTK / imago sportfotodienst / IMAGO

Bayern Munich lethal striker Pernille Harder is doubtful for Denmark's crucial World Cup qualifier against Sweden on Friday.

Denmark's captain, Pernille Harder, is a doubtful participant in Friday's fateful match against Sweden in the World Cup qualification.

The Bayern Munich star turned up at the national team camp in Odense with a muscle injury.

"It is not a serious injury, but the timing is not so good. I have trained individually, and then we will have to see what I will be ready for", says Harder on Tuesday afternoon.

With a win or a draw against Sweden, Denmark can take a big step towards the World Cup in Brazil next summer, but will lose the opportunity to decide things for themselves if Sweden wins the game. 

Harder will do a lot to get ready, but not bet everything.

"Both the club and the national team will do it properly. We don't take any risks, so I end up making the injury worse and have to be out for a longer time - even if there is a holiday soon", says Harder.

While Harder still has a chance to be ready for the match against Sweden, key players Janni Thomsen and Stine Sandbech are definitely out.

Both played a big part in the surprising 2-1 victory over the Swedes in Gothenburg.

"The past few days have not been boring. It is a big blow to have to do without Janni and Stine, and then Pernille is even more doubtful. It's a full plate of challenges. I cannot claim otherwise. These are people from the top", says national coach Jakob Michelsen.

Denmark concludes their World Cup qualifying group against Serbia on Tuesday. Four points in total in the two matches will give Denmark the top position in the group and a ticket to the World Cup. 

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