“Ayer por la noche tenía casi a un hombre llorando al teléfono, porque está muy frustrado y disgustado por esta situación,” Denmark manager Brian Riemer revealed after Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen officially withdrew from the upcoming UEFA Nations League squad, MARCA reported.
The 30-year-old center-back recently returned to competitive action on November 8, playing 30 minutes against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano. That brief substitute appearance followed a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Christensen suffered a left rectus femoris muscle injury during a fixture against Sevilla on September 20, missing roughly six weeks of action for club and country.
Despite making his comeback in LaLiga, the veteran defender decided he was not physically ready to handle the rigorous demands of international football. Riemer told Danish outlet Tipsbladet that the choice belonged entirely to the player, who felt his body could not yet sustain back-to-back high-intensity fixtures.
“He has considered that he is not ready and, therefore, he has had to resign,” Riemer stated, noting that Christensen loves representing his country and took the setback very hard.
Riemer also emphasized that the decision came independently of Barcelona, explaining that the national team camp cannot manage a complex rehabilitation program the way a club’s dedicated medical staff can. “There is a big difference between pressing a club and pressing a person. You have to respect the individual. Ultimately, it is his decision,” Riemer added.
With Christensen unavailable for selection, Denmark's coaching staff selected other players to strengthen the defense. Riemer called up Rasmus Nicolaisen as a defensive reinforcement, expressing confidence in players like Joakim Andersen and Oliver Provstgaard ahead of the upcoming matches.
Denmark currently sits second in Group D with six points from four games, trailing group leaders Portugal. The squad faces a demanding travel schedule this month, visiting Portugal on November 14, before returning to Parken Stadium in Copenhagen to host Norway on November 17.
Riemer made it clear that the door remains wide open for Christensen’s return once his fitness is fully established. The manager stated that the national team is equally interested in ensuring the defender is completely ready for the international window in March.
For Barcelona and manager Hansi Flick, retaining Christensen in Catalonia provides vital depth during a congested fixture list, especially following recent defensive absences. The center-back aims to use the international break to build sustained match fitness without risking another setback.
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