Soccer: Gravesen included in Denmark squad

Everton midfielder Thomas Gravesen has been included in Denmark’s squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Bulgaria despite being injured in the club’s first home game of the season.

Gravesen needed 30 stitches in a leg wound after a tackle by Tottenham’s Mauricio Taricco during the 1-1 Premiership draw at Goodison Park on Monday.

However, national team coach Morten Olsen has still selected him in a squad of 25.

Gravesen said: ‘‘It is an unfortunate way to start the season but everyone at Everton has been good to me and the national manager, Morten Olsen, has included me in the Denmark squad to face Northern Ireland and Bulgaria.

"I may not be fit for those games but it is a gesture that has lifted my spirits."

The 25-year-old will be out for at least a month, meaning he will miss the Danes’ games, as well as Everton’s matches against Liverpool and Manchester United.