Bøgelund despair for Denmark

By Peter Bruun

Denmark defender Kasper Bøgelund is a major doubt for UEFA EURO 2004™ after tearing a hamstring in his left leg.

Injury confirmed
The 23-year-old suffered the injury while playing for PSV Eindhoven in last Saturday's 3-0 home victory against NEC Nijmegen. Scans have since shown the extent of the muscle damage, with medical staff estimating a recovery time of up to six weeks. He is the latest Danish doubt after winger Peter Løvenkrands was ruled out for a month with a knee injury last week.

Time running out
Denmark coach Morten Olsen has to name his 23-man squad for the finals by 2 June, and Bøgelund had been tipped to compete for the right-back slot with first-choice Thomas Helveg while also providing cover for midfield positions. However, Bøgelund will not play again for PSV this season and will miss Denmark’s friendly a week tomorrow against Scotland.

Future uncertain
"Morten Olsen has just told me that we will have to see how things develop," said Bøgelund. "But I have to admit it is anyone's guess as to whether I will be at the finals." After the Scotland match in Copenhagen, the Danes will play in Estonia on 30 May and at home against Croatia on 5 June before opening their campaign on 14 June against Italy.

World Cup honour
Bøgelund has been capped eight times by his country and was part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad, making two substitute appearances in the Far East. However, he has not played for his country since the 1-1 friendly draw with Finland in August 2003 after suffering groin problems earlier this season.