Denmark dealt Krohn-Dehli blow

Denmark will travel to next month's UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Portugal without one of their leading players as striker Michael Krohn-Dehli requires surgery on a knee injury.

'Serious pain'
The RKC Waalwijk forward suffered the injury in a league match against Heracles Almelo on Saturday and medics have since revealed the problem to be more serious than initially thought. "I was in serious pain after Saturday's match," Krohn-Dehli said. "I've had the knee examined by a specialist, and together with my future club, AFC Ajax, it was decided that surgery is necessary as soon as possible. I will probably be fit for the start of next season, but is completely unrealistic for me to be fit in time for the European Championship."

Coach still confident
Denmark U21 coach Flemming Serritslev tried to put a brave face on the news, saying: "It's disappointing for Michael as taking part in the tournament would have helped him to improve for bigger tasks that lie ahead, such as playing for the senior national team. It is also a big handicap for us to be without him as types like Michael are rare. Fortunately we have several good alternatives."