Denmark midfielder Delaney ruled out for remainder of World Cup

Denmark midfielder Thomas Delaney has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after he was forced off with an injury in their Group D opener with Tunisia.

The Sevilla player started for Kasper Hjulmand’s side in Tuesday’s goalless draw in Al Rayyan, but exited the game during first-half injury time to be replaced by Mikkel Damsgaard.

It was confirmed on Wednesday that the 31-year-old has suffered a knee injury which not only curtails his immediate involvement but spells the end of his tournament, in a blow to Denmark’s hopes.

“We will miss him, both on and off the pitch,” Hjulmand said after the news was revealed in a brief statement.

“Other players are ready, and we have a strong squad for the next matches.”

A 72-cap veteran, Delaney was an essential figure in the nation’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 in the wake of Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest last year.

With the Manchester United playmaker recovered and back in the fold, Denmark had been tipped as a potential dark horse contender ahead of the tournament.

Thomas Delaney må forlade VM-lejren. Han pådrog sig en skade i Tunesien-kampen

“Vi vil savne ham, både på og udenfor banen. Andre spillere er klar og vi har en stærk trup til de næste kampe” – K. Hjulmand

Delaney rejser hjem og står til ca 4 ugers genoptræning
@fbbillederdk pic.twitter.com/jkj9vxSB6S

— Fodboldlandsholdene (@dbulandshold) November 23, 2022

A struggle to find a result against a stubborn Tunisia, however, has set up an intriguing path to the knockout rounds through the rest of Group D.

Denmark will face defending champions France on November 26, before meeting Australia four days later on November 30.