Eriksen collapses again on the pitch during Denmark-Ukraine: match suspended in Odense

According to Danish national team doctor Morten Boesen, Eriksen briefly lost consciousness but came round very quickly, allowing medical staff to establish contact with him immediately. "Soweit ich das beurteilen kann, funktioniert der Herzschrittmacher einwandfrei", Boesen said in an initial statement from the Danish Football Association (DBU).

Eriksen's condition

The 34-year-old managed to get up after initial treatment and, to applause from the crowd and teammates, walked to an ambulance that had been brought up to the pitch. Boesen reported that Eriksen himself asked to be allowed to leave the field under his own steam: "Er hat das Spielfeld aus eigener Kraft verlassen", the doctor said.

The Danish Football Association subsequently reassured about the player's condition: "Christian Eriksen ist bei Bewusstsein, es geht ihm den Umständen entsprechend gut". On Monday morning Boesen said he had spoken with Eriksen: "Ich habe heute Morgen mit Christian gesprochen, und es geht ihm gut. Er ist bei seiner Familie und guter Dinge. Es wird erwartet, dass er schon bald aus dem Krankenhaus entlassen werden kann und nach Hause zurückkehrt."

The episode brings back memories of what happened during Euro 2020, when Eriksen fell to the ground during Denmark-Finland in Copenhagen and was resuscitated on the pitch with a defibrillator. After being fitted with a defibrillator (ICD) in 2022, the player obtained medical clearance to continue his professional career, resuming competitive activity.

Reactions and solidarity

Institutional figures and the football world also expressed their closeness to the midfielder. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen wrote on Facebook: "Meine Gedanken sind heute Abend bei Christian Eriksen und all jenen in seinem Umfeld, die davon betroffen sind", describing what happened as a "großer Schock" and adding: "Und eine große Erleichterung, dass es ihm den Umständen entsprechend gut geht."

The former clubs of the Denmark national team's appearance record holder also reacted. Wolfsburg wrote on their X account: "Wir denken an dich, Christian", while Manchester United issued a statement: "Der Verein sendet Christian und der Familie Eriksen Kraft und liebe Grüße, während wir auf weitere Nachrichten warten". Tottenham Hotspur also published a message: "Unsere Gedanken sind bei Christian Eriksen und seiner Familie."

Context: the 2021 precedent

The match was a test ahead of summer preparation: both Denmark and Ukraine failed to qualify for the World Cup kicking off next week in the United States, Mexico and Canada. On the sporting front, Danish sporting director Peter Möller stated: "Aber ich weiß es nicht", when asked about recovery times.

The authorities arranged provisions for younger fans at the stadium, as reported by an official: "Wir werden sichergehen, dass niemand allein nach Hause fährt. Sie fahren entweder mit ihren Eltern, der Familie oder als Gruppe." Eriksen remains hospitalized for further tests aimed at clarifying the cause of the new medical episode.

Boesen also specified that the defibrillator implanted five years ago appears to have functioned correctly, delivering a shock. The Danish and international football community awaits updates on the player's condition in the coming hours.