Third Man Utd star leaves international squad after worrying double injury blow

15 November 2023 , 09:52

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Third Man Utd star leaves international squad after worrying double injury blow

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot has withdrawn from the Portugal squad ahead of their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers - following Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund, who both pulled out of Denmark action.

Dalot, 24, was named in Roberto Martinez's 26-man contingent for matches against Liechtenstein and Iceland as they look to continue their perfect qualifying campaign. Portugal have already qualified for next summer's tournament, having won all eight of their Group J matches so far.

However, Dalot will not feature in either of those two games and has now pulled out of the squad with Porto's Joao Mario drafted in to replace him. United confirmed in a statement that, following talks with Martinez, Dalot has withdrawn due to 'personal reasons'.

Dalot has not picked up an injury but is expecting a baby with his partner in the next few days. The former AC Milan defender is expected to be available for United's first game after the international break, which is a trip to Everton on Sunday, November 26.

Dalot's withdrawal comes after Hojlund and Eriksen dropped out of Denmark's squad for matches against Slovenia and Northern Ireland. Both players sustained issues during United's 1-0 victory over Luton on Saturday, but neither are expected to be out long-term.

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"Both were flagged as doubts for their international duties by Erik ten Hag, following our 1-0 win over Luton Town on Saturday, when the manager was keeping his fingers crossed that they would not be out for too long," United said in a statement on Monday.

Erik ten Hag's Manchester United have a number of injury concerns (Getty Images)

"Eriksen made way for Mason Mount in the first half at Old Trafford, while Hojlund initially continued playing after receiving treatment late on. The striker was then replaced by Anthony Martial in the final moments of a victory that leaves the Reds in sixth place in the Premier League table heading into this latest break.

"Christian has a knee injury that is set to keep him out for around a month, while striker Rasmus suffered a muscle strain. It is hoped he will return before the end of November."

United's success over Luton means they are the most in-form team in the Premier League right now, having secured four victories from their last five matches. Considering the scrutiny on Ten Hag, it's quite considerable the turnaround at Old Trafford, though those wins have come against Brentford, Sheffield United, Fulham and Luton, with their only defeat coming against Manchester City.

Kieran King