Christian Eriksen will begin an individual rehabilitation programme in his native Denmark following his on-field collapse last month, his club VfL Wolfsburg have confirmed. The 34-year-old midfielder was involved in a frightening incident during a friendly match against Ukraine in Odense on 7 June, when he collapsed in the 65th minute, prompting the game to be halted and eventually abandoned. Eriksen, who has an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020, was able to walk off the pitch but will now focus on recovery.
Eriksen's ICD Activated as Designed
Following the incident, Eriksen reassured fans that the situation was less severe than his 2021 cardiac arrest.
“It was a different situation from what happened in 2021. My ICD did exactly what it was designed to do: protect me when I needed it,”he said. The device, a small pacemaker-like mechanism inserted under the skin, automatically delivered an electric shock to regulate his heart rhythm. Eriksen added that he was “doing well” and spending time with his family at home.
An ICD is designed to monitor heart rhythms and intervene in cases of dangerous arrhythmias. For athletes like Eriksen, the device provides a critical safety net, allowing them to continue their careers under close medical supervision.
Wolfsburg's Statement and the Rehab Plan
Wolfsburg released a statement explaining that after discussions with managing director Dieter Hecking, it was decided Eriksen would complete his rehabilitation in Denmark.
“VfL remain in regular contact with Christian and the doctors overseeing his treatment. We continue to wish Christian all the very best with his rehabilitation,”the club added. The German side, who signed Eriksen in September 2025, have been supportive throughout his latest health scare.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Eriksen’s journey back to the top level has been nothing short of remarkable. After his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020’s match against Finland, strict Italian regulations meant he could no longer feature for Inter Milan. However, the Premier League allows players with ICDs to compete, which opened the door for a move to Brentford in January 2022, just eight months after the incident. He then spent three years at Manchester United before joining Wolfsburg, where the Bundesliga also permits ICD use.
What's Next for Eriksen?
There is no official timeline for Eriksen’s return to action, and the priority is his health. Wolfsburg will continue to assess his progress during the rehabilitation phase. The football world has rallied behind the Dane once again, with messages of support flooding in from fans, teammates, and former clubs.
Key Takeaways
- Christian Eriksen will undergo individual rehabilitation in Denmark after collapsing during a friendly against Ukraine.
- His ICD device functioned correctly, and he is in a stable condition.
- Wolfsburg are in regular contact with Eriksen and his medical team.
- Eriksen has shown incredible resilience, having previously returned to football after a cardiac arrest in 2021.
- The incident highlights the importance of ICDs in enabling athletes to continue their careers safely.
Quick Facts
Player: Christian Eriksen
Age: 34
Club: VfL Wolfsburg
Incident Date: 7 June 2026
Match: Friendly vs Ukraine in Odense
ICD Fitted Since: 2021 (Euro 2020 cardiac arrest)
Rehab Location: Denmark
