Christian Eriksen ‘targets a return to football next year as he undergoes rehab in Denmark’

Christian Eriksen is reportedly stepping up his efforts to return to football in 2022 after his cardiac arrest in the summer, but it appears increasingly unlikely he will return in Italy. 

Eriksen is still on the books at Inter Milan but according to Italian publication Gazzetta della Sport, the fact he has been working in Denmark, rather than Italy, on a rehab programme with a specialist is an indication he will not come back in Serie A.

Rules in Italy state that people with a defibrillator like Eriksen has are not allowed to play contact sport. But the 29-year-old could theoretically continue his career in another country, with different rules.

Eriksen had a cardiac arrest in June, playing for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020

Eriksen was fitted with a defibrillator, meaning it is unlikely he can play for Inter Milan again

Ajax defender Daley Blind, for example, was also fitted with an ICD after being diagnosed with heart muscle inflammation, but has continued playing for the Eredivisie champions, as well as internationally for Holland. 

It is claimed that Inter and Eriksen have a good relationship and the Italian club are determined to find the best solution for both parties. Gazzetta says Eriksen’s former club Ajax, or Danish side Odense, could offer the playmaker a contract. 

The report on Friday adds that Eriksen has been monitored and tested closely in the ensuing five months since his cardiac arrest as the results have not provided any news to cause alarm.

It adds that if things continue on such a positive trajectory, Eriksen can increase his workload in 2022 with an aim of returning to football next year.

Eriksen collapsed in the first half of Denmark’s Euro 2020 match against Finland in June and received life-saving treatment on the pitch of the Parken stadium in Copenhagen.

Denmark players surrounded Eriksen so that he couldn’t be seen while he was resuscitated on the pitch.

Denmark players circled Eriksen so he had privacy while he was being treated on the pitch 

Eriksen, 29, was in hospital receiving treatment for six days before being released 

Captain Simon Kjaer, who comforted Eriksen’s partner Sabrina, and English referee Anthony Taylor were praised for their swift and empathetic response to the tragic events.

The match was postponed just after 6pm that evening and Eriksen was seen sitting upright whilst being taken off on a stretcher with an oxygen mask on his mouth just minutes later.

He was admitted to hospital before the Danish FA confirmed that he was awake and conscious, while his agent Michael Schoots revealed later that evening that he was able to speak and talk whilst receiving more checks.

The Denmark players then decided to finish off the match after hearing the news of Eriksen’s recovery.

They lost 1-0 to Finland but ended up reaching the semi-finals of the tournament before being defeated by England at Wembley.

Eriksen was released from hospital following six days of treatment, which included him being fitted with an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator).

Eriksen was part of the Inter Milan side which won the Serie A championship last campaign

Daley Blind at Ajax has a defibrillator and plays for Ajax and the Holland national team

The ICD is connected to the heart by wires and sends an electrical pulse in order to correct irregular rhythms.

The Danish midfielder has played 60 times for Inter Milan since joining the club from Tottenham Hotspur 18 months ago. The 29-year-old helped the Italian side win their first Serie A title in 11 years last season.

During his time playing in England, Eriksen turned out over 300 times for Spurs in a six-and-a-half year spell in north London.