Christian Eriksen is so important for Denmark he can be described as ‘the heart’ of the team, according to head coach Kasper Hjulmand.
The Inter midfielder is preparing to help Hjulmand’s side in their opening FIFA World Cup qualifiers ahead of Qatar 2022, having been cleared to travel home by Milan’s local health authority (ATS) on Monday.
Denmark visit Israel tomorrow in their first game before they host Moldova on Sunday, with a third qualifier away in Austria on March 31.
Speaking to Danish news outlet TV2 Sport on Tuesday, as quoted by FcInterNews.it, Hjulmand said: “Eriksen has been an important player for us for a long time, both on and off the pitch.
“He is the rhythm and the heart of the team when we play, but he’s also fundamental away from the pitch.
“He’s an important player that we’re welcoming into our squad, his presence is good news.”
Eriksen has enjoyed a second wind at Inter in recent weeks after Antonio Conte moved the 29-year-old into a slightly deeper midfield role.
Hjulmand admitted he was unlikely to change Eriksen’s position when it came to representing his country, however.
“We can’t expect to use him in a position which is significantly different to where he played last autumn,” he confirmed.
“Eriksen is fundamental for creating chances, in standard situations and from set pieces.
“Our team is not only Christian in any case, but he is a truly important player for us.”
Eriksen has made 103 appearances for Denmark’s senior team since making his debut back in 2010, scoring 36 goals.
He faces a fine from Milan’s ATS when he returns to Italy next week, because playing in Denmark’s matches would represent a breach of Inter’s COVID-19 bubble.
