CHARLIE ‘INSPIRED’ BY ERIKSEN RETURN
DETERMINED Wigan Athletic striker Charlie Wyke is eager to follow in the footsteps of Brentford’s Christian Eriksen by returning to action following a cardiac arrest.
Former Tottenham midfielder Eriksen, 30, collapsed playing for Denmark against Finland in last summer’s Euros, but made his competitive return for the Bees against Newcastle last weekend.
Wyke said: “Like everyone, I was delighted and inspired to see Christian Eriksen return to play for Brentford in the Premier League, eight months on from his collapse at the Euros.”
Wyke suffered his cardiac arrest in training in November.
The 29-year-old has now returned to training and is hoping to be fully fit for pre-season.
In a statement, the forcardiologist, mer Carlisle, Bradford and Sunderland forward, who joined the Latics last summer, said: “First and foremost, I would like to reiterate my appreciation for all the messages of support I have received over the past three months. “They’ve really helped me and my family through what has been a challenging time.
“I am in a good place both mentally and physically and I’m really positive about what the future holds.
“I feel now is the right time to provide an update to Wigan Athletic supporters and those of other clubs who have wished me well, as I continue my recovery.
Testing
“As part of my testing, I have been back training with the lads in recent weeks while being monitored by the club’s medical staff and an independent Dr Rob Cooper. I’ve felt really good and have rebuilt a lot of my physical strength, which has been reassuring.
“In the next couple of weeks, I will undergo a planned medical procedure which requires a period of rest before I can restart training towards full fitness again.
“This does effectively rule out a return to playing this season, though it keeps me on target to hit my goal of being fully fit to start pre-season with the squad.”