Denmark: Bendnter back in training, coach out sick

Jun 8, 2010 - 4:13 PM By KARL RITTER Associated Press Writer

JOHANNESBURG(AP) -- On a day its coach skipped practice with a fever, Denmark's injury situation improved.

Striker Nicklas Bendtner and defender Simon Kjaer were back in training Tuesday, but the team received another setback when coach Morten Olsen called in sick.

Olsen, 60, contracted a virus that has circulated through the squad for two weeks and temporarily left assistant coach Peter Bonde in charge of World Cup preparations, team spokesman Lars Berendt said.

None of the players was reported ill. All 23 took part in the team's training session at Denmark's base camp in Knysna.

Bendtner was back returned after being sidelined with a groin injury that caused him to miss the final matches of the season with Arsenal. Kjaer also was crossed off the injury list; the Palermo defender hurt his right knee in a friendly last month against Senegal.

However, it was unclear whether Bendtner and Kjaer, keys to a Danish squad with few high-profile players, would be fit for the starting lineup against the Netherlands on June 14. Both sat out warmup matches against Australia and South Africa. Denmark lost each game.

The Danes have the day off Wednesday and return to practice Thursday morning.