Nigeria: Christian Eriksen collapses again during Denmark friendly

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch for the second time in his career during Denmark’s international friendly against Ukraine. 

The 34-year-old midfielder fell to the ground suddenly in the second half. Match officials immediately stopped play and medical staff attended to him on the field. Television footage showed Eriksen receiving treatment before the game was abandoned.

The Danish Football Federation later confirmed Eriksen was conscious and “doing well under the circumstances.” Further medical updates are expected from the federation and team doctors.

The incident revived memories of Eriksen’s cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 opener against Finland in Copenhagen. He received life-saving CPR on the pitch that day. Following extensive medical evaluation, Eriksen was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator, an ICD, to regulate dangerous heart rhythms and allow him to continue playing professionally.

Eriksen, who has played for Tottenham, Manchester United, and most recently for a Bundesliga club Wolfsburg, will undergo further checks before any decision on his return to football.