Christian Eriksen to Have Heart-Starter Device Implanted After Cardiac Arrest in Game

Christian Eriksen will have a heart-starter device implanted after he collapsed on the pitch and required defibrillation during Denmark's 1-0 loss to Finland in its Euro 2020 opener on Tuesday. 

Denmark national team doctor Morten Boesen issued a statement Thursday about Eriksen's decision to receive an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, via Reuters (h/t ESPN.com):

"After Christian has been through different heart examinations, it has been decided that he should have an ICD. This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.

"Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment."

According to Reuters, an ICD is a "type of pacemaker and can prevent fatal cardiac arrests by discharging a jolt to restore a regular heart rhythm."

Eriksen collapsed shortly before halftime of Saturday's game. He had to receive CPR on the pitch, and his heart was restarted with a defibrillator. 

UEFA originally announced the match between Denmark and Finland was suspended, but it was later restarted after UEFA told the players they could either play the rest of the game that day or restart it on the Sunday. 

Days after the game, Eriksen wrote on Instagram that he's "fine—under the circumstances," adding that he's still in the hospital to undergo more examinations. 

The 29-year-old has played with Denmark's national team since 2010. He led the country to the round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time in 16 years it advanced to the knockout stage of the tournament.