Mikel Arteta insists it will be ‘incredible’ to see Christian Eriksen back on the pitch ahead of his possible Brentford debut against Arsenal following his cardiac arrest, as Gunners boss recalls exactly where he was during ‘awful’ events of Euro 2020
- Mikel Arteta is expecting a huge reception for Brentford’s Christian Eriksen
- The 30-year-old Dane could make his debut at home to Arsenal on Saturday
- Eriksen has not played since suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 last summer
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Christian Eriksen’s return with Brentford is ‘great news for football’ and is expecting the Denmark international to receive a huge reception should he make his debut against the Gunners on Saturday.
The 30-year-old joined the Bees on a on a six-month deal, having previously played for both Tottenham and most recently Inter Milan.
Eriksen has not featured since suffering a cardiac arrest whilst played for Denmark against Finland at Euro 2020 last summer.
Christian Eriksen signed a six-month deal with Thomas Frank’s Brentford last month
The pacemaker fitted in Eriksen means he was not able to continue in Serie A with Inter Milan
Since the incident that shocked the footballing world happened, Eriksen has been fitted with an implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) – a type of pacemaker – but was unable to continue playing in Italy with the device.
The former Inter star was unveiled by fans last weekend in Brentford’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, but could make his debut for the west Londoners against Arteta’s side.
‘It would be incredible [to see him back]’, Arteta said when discussing Eriksen’s return.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta says Eriksen will receive a great reception and his return is great news
‘I remember where I was when that happened [when Eriksen collapsed] and straight away the reaction that you get, it was awful.
‘It’s great news, thanks to the doctors first of all and the medical team that they saved his life probably on the day and I cannot imagine what it meant to his family, but I am sure they will be anxious, but for the football industry, I think it’s great news.
‘He’s someone that has done incredibly well in this country, he left a big mark when he left and now he has the opportunity to come back and play.
‘I remember where I was when that happened [when Eriksen collapsed] and straight away the reaction that you get, it was awful.
‘It’s great news, thanks to the doctors first of all and the medical team that they saved his life probably on the day and I cannot imagine what it meant to his family, but I am sure they will be anxious, but for the football industry, I think it’s great news.
‘He’s someone that has done incredibly well in this country, he left a big mark when he left and now he has the opportunity to come back and play.
Eriksen, 30, has not featured since his cardiac arrest against Finland in Euro 2020 last summer
The Dane was welcomed onto the pitch in Brentford draw with Crystal Palace last weekend
‘I hope [there will be a positive reception] understanding what happened and where he was a few months ago. I would like to see that.
‘It’s obviously something very personal, but from my side that would be the way that I would react to him. I will be so pleased to see him again on a football pitch.’
Arsenal go into the clash against Thomas Frank’s side sixth in the Premier League, and will go fourth ahead of both West Ham and Manchester United, should they win their games in hand.
Brentford, on the other hand, are 14th in the standings after suffering four defeats in their last five matches.
