Denmark hit by sickness bug ahead of Scotland's World Cup qualification decider

Denmark’s squad has been hit by a sickness bug ahead of the decisive World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Tuesday.

The teams meet at Hampden in the final group game, with Steve Clarke’s side knowing that a victory would see them leapfrog the Danes into first place and qualify for next year’s finals automatically.

If Scotland draw or lose, they would face the challenge of the play-offs to reach the tournament in North America.

Denmark had looked clear favourites to take top spot and qualify but a 2-2 draw at home to bottom seeds Belarus has given Scotland opportunity, and the team now faces the prospect of missing key players for the crucial match.

Former Manchester United forward Rasmus Hojlund missed the Belarus game with illness and teammates Rasmus Nissen Kristensen and Joachim Andersen, as well as two staff members, are also isolating after falling ill.

“It is a bit of a stomachache that has spread,” Denmark manager Brian Riemer told DR Sportern. “Fortunately, it is not of a fever-like nature, but we have to be aware of it.

“We follow it closely. Right now, it seems like we’ve got it delimited.

“The doctor’s assessment is that we have everyone ready for Tuesday. But we have to take it day by day.”

While Riemer is hopeful the effects won’t be serious, he has already drawn up a list of potential late replacements for missing players, and no player will travel if there are serious concerns.

“As a rule, you have to train on Monday to be able to travel to Scotland,” he said. “If you are in bed and cannot train the day before a match, then it is a big challenge, although of course I will listen to the doctor and his prognosis.

“If the doctor says that Rasmus Højlund will be 100 percent fit by training by himself on Monday, then I’m listening to that, so it’s not more of a principle either.

“If a player has to report with illness, a replacement will of course be called, but right now I have an expectation that everyone will be ready. I have made a list of possible replacements, but I have not called anyone.”