Christian Eriksen stepped back into competitive football to make his Brentford debut, 259 days after being carried off the pitch at Euro 2020 after suffering a cardiac arrest, but it was not to be a fairytale return as Newcastle left west London with a vital victory in the Premier’s League’s relegation scrap.
The Bees’ poor league form continued as Josh Dasilva’s early red card left them an uphill struggled and goals from Joe Willock and Joelinton gave the Magpies a 2-0 victory that sees them climb above Thomas Frank’s side in the relegation battle.
Eriksen’s return was the one bright spot on another difficult afternoon for Frank’s men. Concerns over the the Dane’s life were paramount after he collapsed during his country’s game with Finland in Copenhagen last June, far removed from any sense that he would return to play at the highest level.
Inter Milan were forced to let Eriksen, 30, go after the device fitted to his heart as a result of his collapse meant he was barred from playing in Serie A, as per league rules.
A move to Premier League newboys Brentford was sealed in late January and the midfielder began working his way back to fitness under the tutelage of compatriot Thomas Frank.
On Saturday, Eriksen was deemed ready to be named on the bench for the key clash against Newcastle and was introduced shortly after half-time, by which point the Bees were already trailing 2-0.
All four corners of Brentford Community Stadium rose to give Eriksen a standing ovation as he took the latest step in his remarkable, and emotional, comeback.
