Christian Eriksen gives fans an update after collapsing on the pitch for Denmark
Christian Eriksen has given an update after collapsing during Denmark’s game on Sunday night.
For the second time in his career, Eriksen went down on the field clutching his chest about 65 minutes into Denmark’s friendly against Ukraine. The match was stopped while he got medical help, and players from both teams formed a circle to give him privacy as cameras looked away.
Thankfully, Eriksen woke up and stood up on his own before being taken to the hospital for more checks. The game was called off with Denmark leading 2-1 after 75 minutes, and the players thanked the fans with applause at Nature Energy Park.
Denmark’s doctor, Morton Boesen, said Eriksen’s pacemaker, a device called an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), “worked as it should.”
Eriksen later shared another update on Instagram, with Boesen confirming that he’s “doing well” and should be heading home soon. Boesen said, “I spoke with Christian this morning. He’s in good spirits and with his family. We expect him to be discharged from the hospital soon.”
Eriksen had a cardiac arrest during a Euro 2020 game against Finland in 2021 and was saved by doctors after losing consciousness. After recovering, he got the ICD device, which helps monitor and correct heart rhythms, allowing him to play again for Brentford and Manchester United. A top cardiologist said today’s incident was likely the ICD giving him a shock, which can feel like a strong hit to the chest.
Boesen, who helped save Eriksen’s life before, also said he will have more tests at the hospital to find out what caused this latest event.
Many Danish players were upset after what happened, and the Danish Football Association is making sure players get support. Director Peter Moller said, “We’ve made sure no one travels home alone. They either go with family or teammates. Brian will also call each player to check how they’re doing.”
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg told Danish TV, “I think I need to see my children and my family.”