CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has been named in the Denmark squad for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch nine months ago.
The Brentford ace has been in brilliant form since returning to competitive action with the Bees.
Eriksen, 30, will be back in international action in friendlies against the Netherlands and Serbia later this month – with the latter to be played at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen – the scene of his cardiac arrest against Finland last June.
The matches will mark the former Tottenham star’s first international appearances since Euro 2020.
After being saved by hero doctors, Eriksen was fitted with an ICD device.
The defibrillator is designed to keep the midfielder safe, but players fitted with one are banned from playing in Serie A, a rule that forced Eriksen to leave Inter Milan earlier this season.
He joined Brentford on transfer deadline day in January, gradually ramping up his fitness before making his return to action against Newcastle last month.
Eriksen has since started in wins over Norwich and Burnley, even laying on an assist for Ivan Toney during the 2-0 triumph over the latter.
He will now have an opportunity to add to his 109 Denmark caps – with this winter’s World Cup in Qatar in his sights.
Back in January, he said: “My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar. I want to play. That’s been my mindset all along.
“It’s a goal, a dream. Whether I’ll be picked is another thing. But it’s my dream to come back.
“I’m sure I can because I don’t feel any different. Physically, I’m back in top shape.
“My dream is to rejoin the national team and play at Parken again and prove that it was a one-timer and that it won’t happen again.
“I want to prove I’ve moved on and that I can play [for] the national team again.
“Again, it’s up to the manager to assess my level. But my heart is not an obstacle.”
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