Christian Eriksen Begins Rehabilitation in Denmark After Second On-Field Collapse

Christian Eriksen will continue his rehabilitation in Denmark after suffering a second on-field collapse last month, his club, Wolfsburg, has confirmed.

The former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder collapsed during Denmark's international friendly against Ukraine on June 7 after clutching his chest, nearly five years after he suffered a cardiac arrest during the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.

According to reports, the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted following his cardiac arrest in 2021 successfully delivered a shock to restore his heart's normal rhythm.

Eriksen later reassured fans that the latest incident was different from what happened at Euro 2020 and said he was recovering well after receiving hospital treatment. However, uncertainty remains over whether the 34-year-old will resume his professional playing career.

In a statement released on Thursday, Wolfsburg confirmed that Eriksen would not join the team for the start of pre-season and would instead undergo an individual rehabilitation programme in his home country.

The Bundesliga club said the decision followed discussions between Eriksen and managing director Dieter Hecking, adding that the club remains in regular contact with both the player and his medical team throughout his recovery.

The latest development comes amid renewed concerns from heart specialists about Eriksen's future in football.

Danish cardiologist Henning Molgaard advised that athletes with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator are generally encouraged to retire from elite-level competition, noting that it is uncommon for professional athletes to continue competing with the device.

Molgaard also warned that while the ICD can respond to future cardiac events, it is impossible to predict when another episode could occur, reinforcing concerns about the risks associated with returning to top-level football.

Despite the medical concerns, no decision has yet been announced regarding Eriksen's long-term playing future as he focuses on his rehabilitation.