News Focus
- Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s match against Ukraine in Odense on Sunday
- The 34-year-old midfielder lost consciousness briefly but walked off the pitch with assistance
- Medical staff confirmed his implanted heart device functioned correctly during the incident
- The friendly match was abandoned in the 65th minute following the medical emergency
- Eriksen previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020 and plays with a pacemaker
Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered a frightening collapse during an international friendly against Ukraine on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at the 65-minute mark of the match in Odense.
The 34-year-old fell to the ground near the touchline. Medical personnel rushed to provide immediate assistance. Fortunately, Eriksen regained consciousness quickly. He was able to walk from the field to an ambulance with support from the medical team.
Denmark’s team doctor, Morten Boesen, provided a positive update on the player’s condition. He stated that Eriksen was doing well after the incident. The doctor explained that the implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in Eriksen’s chest operated as intended.
“Christian is conscious and walked off the pitch by himself,” Boesen reported. “The pacemaker responded correctly. He was unconscious for a short time but woke up very quickly.”
Eriksen will undergo further medical tests at hospital to identify the cause of this episode. The former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur star has played with the heart device since suffering a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s opening match at Euro 2020 against Finland.
The midfielder currently plays for German club Wolfsburg. He was earning his 151st cap for the national team when the incident occurred.
Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg witnessed the event from nearby. He described the shock of seeing his teammate fall. Hojbjerg praised the rapid response from medical staff and the respectful behaviour of all players on the pitch.
Players from both Denmark and Ukraine formed a protective circle around Eriksen while he received treatment. This mirrored the solidarity shown during his 2021 collapse. Both teams later gathered in a circle on the pitch after the match was abandoned.
Denmark coach Brian Riemer confirmed that Eriksen sent messages to his teammates reassuring them of his condition. The coach emphasised that the squad would support each other during this difficult time.
The match was officially called off following the incident. Neither Denmark nor Ukraine had qualified for the upcoming World Cup tournament.