Danish international midfielder Christian Eriksen is set to commence an individual rehabilitation programme in Denmark, following his collapse during a friendly match last month. The 34-year-old, who currently plays for German club Wolfsburg, was involved in a concerning incident during a game against Ukraine in Odense in June, which led to the match being abandoned.
Eriksen was notably able to walk off the pitch after the event. This incident follows a more severe cardiac arrest he suffered during a Euro 2020 match against Finland in 2021, after which he was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). An ICD is a small device, similar in size to half a mobile phone, that is implanted under the skin, often near the armpit or collarbone, with wires leading to the heart. It functions as a mini-defibrillator and can also regulate a slow heartbeat, providing a crucial safety net for individuals with certain heart conditions.
Speaking after the recent collapse, Eriksen reassured the public he was "doing well" and explained that his ICD "did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it". He distinguished this event from the 2021 incident, indicating a different set of circumstances. His club, Wolfsburg, confirmed that discussions with managing director Dieter Hecking led to the decision for Eriksen to complete his rehabilitation in his native Denmark, while the club maintains regular contact with him and his medical team.
Eriksen's career has seen him play for several prominent clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the UK, as well as Inter Milan and Brentford. His return to professional football after the 2021 cardiac arrest was remarkable, with Brentford signing him in 2022. He subsequently spent three years at Manchester United before joining Wolfsburg in September 2025.
The ability of players with ICDs to compete varies by league. While Italy's Serie A prohibits players with such devices from competing, both the Premier League in the UK and Germany's Bundesliga permit it. This distinction allowed Eriksen to continue his career in England and now in Germany, highlighting the differing medical regulations and approaches across European football associations regarding player welfare and medical conditions.