Brentford confirm Christian Eriksen return against Newcastle United - and provide Ivan Toney update

Just over eight months has passed since the former Spurs midfielder collapsed on the pitch after suffering a cardiac arrest during Denmark’s Euro 2020 group stage fixture against Finland.

The 30-year-old made a remarkable recovery after he was fitted with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and was discharged less than a week after the game in Copenhagen.

However, the device went against Serie A rules meaning Eriksen’s contract with Inter Milan was terminated ‘by mutual consent’.

Brentford moved quickest to secure his services on a short-term and the playmaker has featured in a number of behind closed doors fixtures as he moved closer to a return.

‘He will get his debut, it will be amazing’

Bees boss Thomas Frank confirmed Eriksen will make his long-awaited comeback against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, he said: “He will be in the squad and he will get on the pitch tomorrow.

“He will get his debut, it will be amazing.

“It’s a big day for all of us but especially Christian and his family when he walks out onto that pitch.

“For me personally, for everyone involved in football that saw what happened, it’s another of these reminders that reminds ourselves we are privileged to do what we do and be alive.

“To appreciate everyday, every moment, which is very difficult in life, but it’s a good reminder for us all.

“I think the key thing is everything has been checked, all good, there’s zero chance that something could happen and him and his family are aligned that he should play football.

“Also, for everyone that had a cardiac arrest, if there is a way out of it, to have a normal life once you’ve been checked.

“I can’t wait.”

‘We all have to concentrate on our jobs’

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe admitted he is looking forward to seeing Eriksen back in action - but warned his players they must concentrate on their own jobs as they look to gain another win in their push to avoid relegation this season.

He said: “It would be great to see him back on a football pitch.

“From our side, during the game, we can have no emotion towards that, we all have to concentrate on our jobs.

“But certainly it’s great to see him fit and healthy and enjoying his football again.”

Ivan Toney also set to return

Bees top goalscorer Ivan Toney is also set to play a part having missed the last three matches.

Toney, formerly on Newcastle, scored when the two sides met at St James’ Park earlier in the season, which ended in a 3-3 draw.