"Christensen was almost crying when I called him"

Christensen declined Denmark call-up to continue recovery from two-month quadriceps injury; manager Riemer says defender emotionally frustrated but prioritizing full fitness.

Andreas Christensen has withdrawn from Denmark's international break despite his recent return to action for Atlético Madrid following a two-month absence with a left quadriceps muscle injury suffered on 20 September.

Denmark manager Brian Riemer revealed the decision was Christensen's own, explaining the defender remains in a critical phase of rehabilitation. "He was almost crying on the phone because he's very frustrated and upset about this situation," Riemer told Tipsbladet.

"He's considered that he's not ready, and that's why he had to withdraw. In the state his body is in right now, he doesn't feel prepared to play international matches."

Riemer stressed the importance of respecting the full recovery process, noting there is a significant gap between playing five substitute minutes and being competitive for 90 minutes at the highest level. The manager confirmed Denmark still counts on Christensen and hopes to have him fully fit by March.