Hurt Dane refuses to write off World Cup

Denmark midfielder William Kvist hasn't written off his World Cup despite returning home with a punctured lung and cracked ribs.

The 33-year-old will be replaced in midfield for Thursday's Group C fixture against Australia in Samara after being hurt in the 1-0 win over Peru in Denmark's tournament opener.

Denmark hierarchy had seemingly ruled out Kvist for the remainder of the World Cup after his injury.

But Kvist hasn't ruled out returning to Russia.

"The World Cup is long, and if we stay long, I want to truly investigate every option to see if I can play," the FC Copenhagen player said in a Facebook post.

"We'll soon find that out."

While a return to action is a long shot, the Danes will miss his steadying influence against the Socceroos.

Australia, who lost 2-1 to France in their first game of the tournament, will be desperate to take someting from their next encounter to enhance their chances of advancing to the knockout stage.

France and Denmark are in the box-seat to progress after banking first-up wins.

But the Danes are not permitted to replace Kvist with another player from outside their squad as they have already played a game.