Nicklas Bendtner left out of Denmark World Cup squad after former Arsenal star fails to recover from groin injury

IT feels like the Bend of the World Cup – Nicklas Bendtner has been left out of the Denmark squad.

The 30-year-old maverick has been suffering with a groin injury sustained playing for his club side Rosenborg.

Fans were desperate to see the hotshot in action this summer and even started a petition for the start of the tournament to be delayed to allow the self-described “best striker in the world” enough time to recover.

Ex-Arsenal star Bendtner was called-up for the Dane’s initial 27-man provisional party.

But after failing to recover in time for Saturday’s goalless draw with Sweden, head coach Age Hareide has now confirmed the striker will miss out on Russia.

The boss said: “We don’t believe they’ll be fit in time for the first game against Peru, it’s too tight and that match is very important.

“Most likely, we are battling Peru and Australia for second place, and that’s why it’s important to get a good start, and we have to have fit players.”

As ever, Bendtner did not go out quickly and he departed with some words of encouragement to his team-mates.

BENDING THE RULES Thousands sign petition calling for World Cup to be delayed until Nicklas Bendtner is fit again

Hareide added: “Bendtner stood up and asked if he could say something to the players and wished them good luck with the job in Russia.”

Denmark face Mexico in their final friendly on Saturday before the tournament.

They kick-off Group C against Peru before taking on the Aussies and France.

Back in Euro 2012 Bendtner was banned and fined £80,000 by Uefa after exposing his underwear.

He pulled down his shorts after scoring against Portugal to reveal his pants with a betting company’s logo all over them.