Arsenal fans and all who follow football are holding their breath for Kristoffer Olsson, the 28-year-old former Gunner who is in critical condition after collapsing in his Danish home.

Olsson has been placed on life support due to a serious brain-related illness.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 18: Kristoffer Olsson of Arsenal leads his team out onto the pitch prior to the UEFA Youth League Quarter FInal match between FC Barcelona U19 and Arsenal U19 at Mini Estadi on March 18, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 18: Kristoffer Olsson of Arsenal leads his team out onto the pitch prior to the UEFA Youth League Quarter FInal match between FC Barcelona U19 and Arsenal U19 at Mini Estadi on March 18, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

What happened to Kristoffer Olsson?

Kristoffer Olsson’s current club, FC Midtjylland, confirmed his hospitalisation and critical condition.

In a statement, the club explained that a team of medical experts is working to diagnose and treat the player.

“Against the background of the increasing rumours and conjectures that are pending about the reason for Kristoffer Olsson’s absence in the recent period, we feel compelled to go out with this announcement to the public,” they wrote.

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“The 28-year-old Swedish national team player lost consciousness at his home on Tuesday 20 February and was transferred to Aarhus University Hospital, where he is hospitalised and on a ventilator.

“Kristoffer Olsson is affected by an apparently acute disease related to the brain, which is not due to self-harm of any kind, nor is the cause due to external factors.

“A team of Denmark’s leading medical experts is currently working at 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.”

They also emphasised the importance of respect for Olsson’s privacy, saying: “FC Midtjyllandurgently 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 and recovery as well as possible.”

Olsson’s connection to Arsenal

Olsson spent three years in Arsenal‘s youth setup, arriving at the club in 2011. While his senior career with the Gunners was limited, he made an appearance in a 2013 League Cup victory over West Brom.

In search of regular first-team football, he moved to FC Midtjylland in 2014.

Outpouring of support

Arsenal expressed their concern for their former player, tweeting: “Get well soon, Kristoffer. We wish you a full and speedy recovery.”

Former clubs and teammates have also shared messages. AIK, the Swedish club Olsson previously played for before returning to FC Midtylland, wrote: “We have received the tragic news that the former AIK player and golden hero Kristoffer Olsson has suffered a sudden illness and is currently on a ventilator at Aarhus University Hospital.

“Everyone in AIK Football is deeply affected by his sudden illness and our thoughts and full support go to Kristoffer and his family. Fight Koffe!”

Olsson’s career journey

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - OCTOBER 12: Kristoffer Olsson of Sweden looks on during the international friendly match between Sweden and Moldova at Friends Arena on October 12, 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – OCTOBER 12: Kristoffer Olsson of Sweden looks on during the international friendly match between Sweden and Moldova at Friends Arena on October 12, 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Though his senior tenure at Arsenal ended without further appearances, Olsson built a successful career in Scandinavia and beyond.

His time at FC Midtjylland led to a league title, and he also starred for Russia’s Krasnodar and Belgium’s Anderlecht before returning to Denmark in 2022.

Kristoffer Olsson: The Arsenal years

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: Kristoffer Olsson of Arsenal U19 battles with Svyatoslav Georgievsky of PFC CSKA U19 during the NextGen Series Quarter Final match between Arsenal U19 and PFC CSKA U19 at the Emirates Stadium on March 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 25: Kristoffer Olsson of Arsenal U19 battles with Svyatoslav Georgievsky of PFC CSKA U19 during the NextGen Series Quarter Final match between Arsenal U19 and PFC CSKA U19 at the Emirates Stadium on March 25, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Kristoffer Olsson, now fighting for his life, holds a place in Arsenal history as a promising youth prospect who briefly graced the first team. The Swedish midfielder arrived at Arsenal in 2011, having caught the eye of legendary scout and youth coach Liam Brady.

Olsson, then a teenager, impressed with his technical ability, composure on the ball, and creative passing range. He quickly rose through the youth ranks, featuring prominently in Arsenal’s 2013/14 UEFA Youth League campaign where they reached the quarter-finals.

His senior breakthrough came in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion in September 2013. Olsson came on as a substitute and even scored a penalty in the resulting shootout win. This would prove to be his only competitive appearance for Arsenal’s first team.

Seeking more first-team opportunities, Olsson joined Danish side FC Midtjylland on loan in 2014 . The move became permanent at the end of the season for for €1m. While his time as a senior Gunner was brief, Olsson’s talent was recognised within the club and by those who witnessed his performances in the youth setup.

Here at Daily Cannon, we will Kris a full and speedy recovery.

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