Inter-midfielder Christian Eriksen will be equipped with a device that monitors his heart rate and can control any abnormalities with minor electric shocks.
The Dane is recovering well in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during his country’s 1-0 defeat against Finland and has emphasized his desire to find out what caused the traumatic event.
He continues to undergo tests, but in the meantime, the Danish national team has confirmed that he will be equipped with an implantable cardiac defibrillator that helps keep the heart rate balanced after cardiac arrest.
“National team doctor Morten Boesen has been in contact with the cardiologist at Rigshospitalet and Christian Eriksen and this is the latest status,” it says in a statement on Twitter.
“After Christian underwent various heart examinations, it was decided that he should have an ICD (defibrillator). This device is necessary after a heart attack due to arrhythmias.
Eriksen will be equipped with an ICD / Friedemann Vogel – Pool / Getty Images
“Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has also been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.
“We encourage everyone to give Christian and his family peace and integrity next time.”
Eriksen will undergo surgery to fit the ICD, which uses small shocks to control the heart rate and can detect when there are any alarming changes, such as going into cardiac arrest. If it feels a dangerous rhythm, the ICD will give another shock to try to get things back to normal.
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Belgium will respect Eriksen and Denmark by kicking the ball out of play in the tenth minute of Thursday’s meeting between the two teams – with 10 as Eriksen’s shirt number.
“You will have full capacity – this is about a party in football and for Christian,” said Belgian boss Roberto Martinez (via Sky Sports News).
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