The unfortunate collapse of Nigeria international Samuel Kalu during the course of Bordeaux 2-2 draw against Marseille provoked memories of what happened to Danish midfield Christian Eriksen at the European Championship.
Like Eriksen, Kalu went to the ground unchallenged but unlike the Dane who was taken out on stretcher and oxygen support, the Nigerian was resuscitated by doctors and walked off the pitch.
He even played for another five minutes before he was substituted by Remi Oudin, Oudin speaking after the game said the thought of what happened to Eriksen crossed their minds the moment Kalu went down.
“Kalu’s incident gave us chills. It’s always a bit shocking for spectators and players on the pitch,” said Oudin who went on to score in the 2-2 draw.
“With what happened with Eriksen at the Euros, we think about it. Everyone got a little scared. Fortunately, it ended well.
“According to the doctors, it’s a simple discomfort but he will certainly be undergoing tests on Monday.”
Coach of Bordeaux Vladimir Petkovic also said he was thinking of same thing when Kalu who suffered something similar with Nigeria in training at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nation went down.
“I was thinking about what happened during the Euro,” admitted Bordeaux coach Vladimir Petkovic.
“With the medical team, we chose to replace him so as not to take any risks. In these cases, football takes a back seat.”
