Denmark star Christian Eriksen is in stable condition after collapsing on the field during Saturday’s Euro 2020 match against Finland in Copenhagen.
But on Sunday, we learned just how dire Eriksen’s condition was after it was revealed that he suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch.
In a press conference on Sunday, Denmark team doctor Morton Boesen said that at one point, Eriksen was “gone.”
“He was gone and we did cardiac resuscitation,” Boesen said. “It was a cardiac arrest.
“How close were we [to losing Eriksen]? I don’t know.”
At the 42-minute mark of the tournament opener for both teams on Saturday, Eriksen collapsed as he went to take a throw-in, and the match was suspended after the frightening incident. Medics rushed onto the field and immediately began to administer CPR to the Danish midfielder, as players from both sides watched closely.
Eriksen was transported to a Copenhagen hospital, but he appeared to be awake and responsive as he was taken off the field.
A screen in the stadium displays information on Denmark’s midfielder Christian Eriksen’s health condition after he collapsed on the pitch during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group B football match between Denmark and Finland at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
“From the video, you can see that cardiac pulmonary resuscitation – CPR – was quickly instituted, which is the immediate first step in an unresponsive patient or athlete,” Dr. Matt explained. “Early CPR is critical in these situations in order to preserve blood flow to the critical organs of the body, including the brain, chest, liver, kidneys and gut structures, as the heart and/or pulmonary system is compromised.
“Eriksen will undoubtedly undergo numerous cardiac tests – from EKG, as well as an echocardiogram, and potentially interventional radiographic studies of his heart that look for perfusion, size, and function of the heart muscles,” Dr. Matt added. “In addition, he may also get ‘stress testing’ and/or several day cardiac monitoring depending on what exact cardiac condition is suspected. Until all this is known, it is too early to determine a return to play timeline. However, since this was caught early, and If the underlying cause is treatable, he could potentially be back on the pitch for Denmark.”
UEFA soon after announced the match would resume Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET at the request of both sides.
Fans from opposite sides banded together to chant Eriksen’s name.
Players were emotional upon their return to the pitch.
And in another game between Belgium and Russia, Belgian player Lukaku sent good wishes to Eriksen through the camera after scoring a goal.
Finland went on to defeat Denmark after play resumed, but the goal-scorer declined to celebrate.
The soccer world responded to the incident on Twitter, sending its well wishes to Eriksen:
This is a developing story.
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