FC Midtjylland midfielder Kristoffer Olsson, who also represents Sweden, is currently hospitalised in Denmark after losing consciousness at his home last week.
The club announced on Tuesday that the 30-year-old player is on a ventilator and receiving treatment for a brain disease at Aarhus University Hospital.
The club said his hospital admission was “not caused by self-harm of any kind, nor is the cause due to external factors.”
Midtjylland added: “A team of Denmark’s leading medical experts is currently working under high pressure to make a diagnosis and initiate the right treatment.”
“Since admission, Kristoffer has been surrounded by his immediate family and parts of FC Midtjylland’s staff, and is being treated by specialists in the field.
“FC Midtjylland urgently requests the public to show respect and understanding, so that Kristoffer, the family and the doctors get the necessary peace of mind to ensure Kristoffer’s recovery as well as possible.”
Midtjylland said it was “forced” to release the information about Olsson because of “increasing rumours” about his absence from the team.
Olsson completed his youth development at Arsenal in 2013 but did not feature for the senior team. Subsequently, he moved to Midtjylland in 2015, followed by stints at AIK, Krasnodar, and Anderlecht.
He rejoined Arsenal on loan in 2022, eventually making the move permanent the following summer. With 47 international caps, Olsson has also represented Sweden at the 2021 European Championship
“We’re with you, Koffe,” Sweden’s Football Association said in a post on X.
“On Tuesday morning, we received the terrible news that men’s national team player Kristoffer Olsson suffered a sudden illness and is now on a ventilator in hospital.
“The entire Swedish football family is thinking of you and hopes that you will recover soon. Our thoughts also go to Kristoffer’s loved ones at this difficult time.”