After suffering a “serious illness,” centre-back Anders Hagelskjaer is back in full training, according to Wycombe Wanderers head coach Mike Dodds.
The 28-year-old former Danish U18 international has only made two appearances for the Chairboys after joining from Molde of Norway in January for a then-club record price.
His last appearance was on February 1, when he replaced Cameron Humphreys in the second half of the team’s 1-1 away draw with Cambridge United.
The last time Hagelskjaer was included in a matchday squad was one week later, when he was an unutilised substitute in the FA Cup match away to Preston North End.
But Dodds has given an explanation for his absence from the previous 12 games.
Before Wycombe’s away trip to Bolton Wanderers on Good Friday [April 18], he spoke with Sam Avery of BBC 3 Counties and stated: “Anders was getting very close to the matchday squad but picked up an illness which he couldn’t shake off.”
Although it was not life-threatening, he had a nasty illness and had to take a considerable amount of time off.
“We had to handle that since the aftereffect of that was a lot of weariness and he was having trouble recovering from training.
“Anders has been unlucky, but he is not a million miles away because he is back in full training.”
The illness’s nature has not been revealed.
Magnus Westergaard, Wycombe’s second expensive Danish acquisition, has also not been included in previous squads.
Despite being the club’s most expensive acquisition, the central midfielder has only made five appearances since moving from Viborg in January.
His most recent outing was in the 1-0 home loss against Wrexham on March 15, however he has missed the last six games.
Magnus has recovered from a muscle issue, according to Dodds.
It’s unfortunate that it took longer than expected because he was approaching the team when he was knocked down.
If I’m being completely honest, neither Dane has been lucky.
“They were both knocking on the door when they heard a knock and that he [Hagelskjaer] was ill and couldn’t get better.”
“Kieran [Sadlier] was in the matchday squad for the last game but didn’t make the bench so he is a lot closer,” Dodds continued when discussing the other absences ahead of the Chairboys’ trip to Bolton.
“There will be jigs to the squad to compact the next two games because it’s a quick turnaround, so he’ll be in and around it for Friday and Monday.”
He is in competition with a few others.
The good news is that Bez [Lubala] doesn’t require surgery. He is back to full training and is in the same camp as Kieran and Dan Harvie.
“He may be too young to return this season, but he will definitely return for preseason.”
