Man United midfielder Christian Eriksen failed to complete Denmark's 5-2 defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday night.
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Christian Eriksen walks across the pitch while in action for Denmark against Portugal.
Christian Eriksen was substituted in Denmark's defeat to Portugal.(Image: Miguel Lemos/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images.)
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has quashed any fears of picking up an injury after being substituted in the second half of Denmark's 5-2 defeat to Portugal on Sunday evening.
The Danes failed to build on the 1-0 advantage they had claimed from the first leg of their Nations League quarter-final on Thursday night, losing 5-2 in Lisbon after the contest went to extra-time.
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Portugal found themselves 3-2 up after 90 minutes, meaning the tie was level at 3-3 on aggregate after 180 minutes. Despite the Danes' best efforts, Portugal prevailed in the additional half hour, scoring through Francisco Trincao and Goncalo Ramos to seal a 5-2 win on the night and a 5-3 aggregate triumph.
Eriksen, who scored Denmark's second goal of the game on 76 minutes, was substituted ahead of the start of extra-time, being replaced by Morten Frendrup seven minutes out from full-time.
The scoreline was locked at 2-2 at the juncture of Eriksen's withdrawal, meaning Denmark were heading through to the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate. The United midfielder admitted post-match he would have been fine to continue.
"I think it was the national coach's plan to bring in some freshness so that we could defend it," said Eriksen, as quoted by Tipsbladet. "Unfortunately, it didn't work out.
"I always want to play as much as possible, but I respect the coach's decision. He wanted to bring in some freshness.
"Whether that was right or wrong, we'll never find out."
Asked if he could have continued into extra-time, Eriksen added: "Yes, I could easily do that."
Eriksen, who also claimed the assist for Denmark's first goal of the night, is out-of-contract at Old Trafford at the end of this season and admitted last week that he is already preparing himself for a new chapter.
He has played 27 times for United this season, chipping in with four goals.
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