Denmark issues update after Christian Eriksen collapses on pitch for second time
Players were left crying on the pitch after Christian Eriksen collapsed for a second time, five years on from the Euros game which almost cost him his life.
The talented midfielder, who has featured for clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, fell to the ground during Denmark's friendly game against Ukraine last night, sparking huge concern considering the horrific scenes that millions witnessed back in 2021.
On that occasion, his players formed a human shield while he received treatment on the pitch for over 10 minutes, as he was eventually carried off on a stretcher with many fearing the worst.
Fortunately, despite his heart stopping for over five minutes during a cardiac arrest, the former Ajax academy man was able to make a full recovery and return to professional football, after being fitted with a pacemaker.
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And that pacemaker would prove to be a potential life-saver once again yesterday as he collapsed shortly after the 60 minute mark, with the match almost immediately abandoned.
Thankfully, it seems as if the VFL Wolfsburg man was only unconscious for a matter of moments, with national team doctor Martin Boesen providing a positive update after he was transferred to hospital.
The update from Boesen read: "Christian is doing well and walked off the pitch by himself. As I see it, the pacemaker responded as it should.
"He was briefly unconscious, but regained consciousness very quickly, and we were quickly in contact with him.
"He will now undergo further examinations at the hospital to determine what caused the incident. We are in ongoing contact with him and the doctors at the hospital.
"But Christian is doing well, and he asked me to send his regards to all the players and tell them that he was okay."
Former clubs of the 34-year-old have been quick to send their messages of support after the shocking scenes, which will have no doubt been terrifying for Eriksen's family, friends and teammates.
Manchester United said: "Everybody at Manchester United is encouraged by Denmark’s update on Christian Eriksen following today’s abandoned friendly against Ukraine. The club is sending strength and love to Christian and the Eriksen family as we await further news."
Tottenham Hotspur added: "Our thoughts are with Christian Eriksen and his family. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery, Christian. We’re all with you."
Although it remains unclear at this point what exactly led to Eriksen's collapse on this occasion, his previous heart issues seem fairly likely to be a factor, and now a charity has issued a warning about the dangers of cardiac arrest in young and healthy people.
Dr Steven Cox, chief executive of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), told Yahoo: “This second, sudden collapse of Danish midfielder Christen Eriksen is a reminder of the potentially devastating impact that cardiac conditions can have on so many young people every day in the UK and across the world.
“Every week in the UK, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people will collapse and die suddenly from previously undiagnosed heart conditions.
“This is why cardiac screening in both the general population and amongst elite athletes (more routinely and regularly) is so important. As such, CRY’s UK-wide screening programme tests the hearts of more than 30,000 young people aged 14-35 every year.”
James Moorhouse