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Southampton midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was unexpectedly omitted from both Denmark's main national squad and their U21 squad ahead of this latest international break.
Højbjerg has not been a regular starter for the Saints, though he seldom misses game time as a substitute in the ongoing Premier League campaign under manager Claude Puel.
This is likely the main factor behind the decision to not call Højbjerg up to the main squad, but the fact Højbjerg wasn't called up to the U21 was a particular surprise given the former Bayern Munich man is a likely inclusion for this summer's U21 European Championships.
According to Danish news outlet Bold, Denmark U21 manager Niels Frederiksen clarified his position on not calling Højbjerg up to his squad for this international break, while providing some hope for the midfielder ahead of this summer.
"I have decided that in these two matches I will see the players who have qualified," said Frederiksen. "I think they should have the opportunity.
“I have chosen not to take someone who has not been part of it until now, in. But it far from equates that they therefore are not part of the final squad for the European Championship. Far from it. I’ve actually had a chat with Pierre-Emile about it and told him that when I do not take him this time it’s because I want to see others.”
Højbjerg was one of many Danish players who pulled out of the last international break half-way through following a qualifier, missing a friendly match, citing fitness concerns.