Eriksen has shown his bravery with not only his return to football, but with his return to the stadium where he suffered the cardiac arrest, which Hojbjerg described as “completing the circle”. Not only did he make the comeback with his country during the most recent international break, he scored in both games against the Netherlands and Serbia.
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg said: “I’ve said it many times, the main thing is that Christian is with us today…It was beautiful – honestly, it was very beautiful. It was a fantastic goal as well. It was just nice, really good him for, for us. When it comes down to the game, Christian is a very important player for our country. His qualities are never in doubt, and he has so many which, in the end, help us achieve our ambitions as a country and as a team.”
Hojbjerg will now have to face his national teammate on the opposing team, with Tottenham’s trip to the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday, whom Eriksen joined in the January transfer window. The Dane has already made a positive impact on Thomas Frank’s side, scoring a goal and registering two assists in his six league appearances so far. The Italian has also been asked about the prospect of a reunion with the 30-year-old and if he would like to see Eriksen back at Spurs.
Antonio Conte said: “To work again with Christian, is a fantastic opportunity. I repeat, I enjoyed the time we spent together at Inter Milan. Despite the first time he didn’t play regularly with me, but then when I understood what I wanted about him he played.”
However, when it comes to 5:30pm on Saturday, Tottenham will have to focus on securing the three points. With Arsenal playing Man United earlier in the day, Spurs could be knocked out of fourth spot before their match has even begun. It is a must-win game for the Lilywhites, not only in the top four race, but to help the positive bounce back after the 1-0 defeat to Brighton last weekend. However Brentford have recently beaten Chelsea and West Ham and Hojbjerg admitted the difficult task playing Frank’s side will be.
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg said: “Brentford have a very good team, they are on a good run, they are well organised, their home crowd is fantastic. They are living in the moment and have a lot of confidence from this moment they are in. It will be a great challenge. It’s important for us to stay calm and cool and to focus on what is important – to explore the weak points of Brentford, try to punish them, and gain the points we need because we want to keep going forward.”
The Dane explained that there is “no hiding” from the battle for a top four spot and Spurs need that consistency and desire to secure Champions League football for next season.
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg said: “It’s important our actions speak much louder than words. I trust my team a lot and I am sure we have the quality to achieve this. That doesn’t mean we will automatically do it. We will have to suffer, to fight, to come through this challenge, but I believe we can do it.”
With no fresh injuries, Conte will hope he can put his strongest side out and they can do enough to secure maximum points from a Brentford side who will go into the game, ready for a tough battle.
