Milan pair return to Danish fold

AC Milan duo Thomas Helveg and Martin Laursen have returned to the Denmark squad for the friendly international against Poland in Copenhagen on 20 November.

Shoulder injury
A shoulder injury forced Helveg to miss the 2-0 UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying victory against Luxembourg last month. The 31-year-old damaged his shoulder in Denmark's opening qualifier, a 2-2 draw with Nordic neighbours Norway in Oslo in September. Laursen was not included for tactical reasons.

Attacking selection
Coach Morten Olsen's 18-man squad has a more traditional look about it after he chose an attacking selection to face Luxembourg. Thus, there is no place for Akademisk Boldklub striker Michael Johansen after he returned to the international fold last month following just over two years out of the equation.

Italian connection
Jon Dahl Tomasson, scorer of both goals against Norway and the opener versus Luxembourg, is the third Milan player in the squad, while Udinese Calcio midfield player Martin Jørgensen completes the Italian connection.

Weekend to remember
Two of the English-based players, Thomas Gravesen and Claus Jensen, crossed swords when Everton FC defeated Charlton Athletic FC 1-0 on Saturday. Manchester City FC defender Niclas Jensen also had a weekend to remember, he shackled Manchester United FC winger Ryan Giggs as City won the final derby to be played at Maine Road 3-1.

Denmark squad
Nielsen, Skov-Jensen, Albrechtsen, Bøgelund, Helveg, Henriksen, N Jensen, Laursen, Gravesen, C Jensen, Røll Larsen, Poulsen, Grønkjær, Jørgensen, Michaelsen, Rommedahl, Sand, Tomasson.