Patrick Dorgu suffers Denmark setback as Manchester United star ruled out of Portugal clash

Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu has withdrawn from Denmark’s squad ahead of their international clash against Portugal after failing to meet the required fitness standards.

The 21-year-old was a late addition to Brian Riemer’s squad following his return to action for Manchester United, where he made an immediate impact with a goal and an assist in his latest appearance.

However, hopes of seeing Dorgu feature against Portugal on Saturday have been dashed after medical assessments revealed that he was not physically ready to participate in Denmark’s upcoming fixtures.

The decision comes despite the defender showing encouraging signs during his limited involvement at club level, having played 30 minutes in Manchester United’s most recent match.

Denmark’s medical team subsequently conducted a series of fitness tests to establish his readiness, with the results ruling him out of the international assignment.

National team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed the development in a statement published on the Danish Football Association’s official Instagram account.

“We have conducted a series of tests on Dorgu, and he did not perform at a sufficient level to be ready to play in the two matches,” Boesen said.

Dorgu’s withdrawal represents another setback for the defender, who has endured an interrupted period due to fitness problems since September.

Dorgu’s injury struggles continue after Manchester United return

The former Lecce defender had been sidelined since September before making his recent return to competitive action for Manchester United.

His latest appearance offered encouragement after a difficult spell on the sidelines, with the defender registering a goal and an assist despite playing for just 30 minutes.

Dorgu’s absence had previously affected Denmark’s preparations after he left the national team camp in September.

That decision followed Denmark’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Wales at Parken Stadium, when he was forced to withdraw from the squad.

His subsequent return to Manchester United action had raised expectations of an international comeback, prompting Riemer to include him as a late addition to the squad.

However, the latest medical assessments have prevented him from building on his encouraging return.

Riemer explains late call-ups as Denmark lose key options

Dorgu is not the only player to withdraw from Denmark’s squad, with Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen also pulling out of the international assignment.

The double withdrawal leaves Riemer without two defensive options as Denmark prepare for their meeting with Portugal.

The Danish coach had earlier explained his decision to bring additional players into the squad, suggesting that regular involvement at club level offered sufficient evidence of their readiness for international duty.

“We called up the players on Sunday, because if they are playing for their clubs, they are also ready for the national team,” Riemer stated on Monday at the national team camp.

Dorgu has established himself as an important option for Denmark since making his senior international debut.

The Manchester United defender has accumulated 16 appearances for his country, scoring four goals.

His latest withdrawal means he will have to wait for another opportunity to add to that record as he continues his recovery and works towards regaining full match fitness.