A former Arsenal footballer and Swedish international, Kristoffer Olsson, is currently hospitalized for an acute brain illness after collapsing at his home, his Danish club announced.

FC Midtjylland stated on Tuesday that Kristoffer Olsson, who spent three years at Arsenal, is receiving treatment at Aarhus University Hospital and is currently on a ventilator.

The 28-year-old midfielder lost consciousness last Tuesday, according to the club, and was subsequently transferred to the hospital, where he is being supported by his immediate family and members of the club’s staff.

FC Midtjylland mentioned that Denmark’s “leading medical experts” are actively involved in diagnosing the condition and initiating treatment for Olsson.

The club decided to disclose Olsson’s situation due to “increasing rumors” about his absence from the first team.

In their statement on social media, FC Midtjylland clarified that Olsson’s illness is an “apparently acute disease related to the brain, which is not caused by self-harm of any kind, nor is the cause due to external factors.”

The club expressed deep concern for Olsson’s sudden illness and extended their thoughts and support to him and his family.

Arsenal also expressed their support, writing on social media, “Get well soon, Kristoffer. We wish you a full and speedy recovery.”

The head of football at the Swedish Football Association, Kim Kallstrom, expressed sadness over Olsson’s situation, sending thoughts and support to Olsson and his family.

“You feel so genuinely sad at the heart of the news about how a young person can be affected in this way. All our thoughts go out to Kristoffer and his family” he said

Olsson has represented Sweden 47 times, most recently playing against Estonia in November. He joined Midtjylland in 2022 for a second spell after stints with Anderlecht, Krasnodar, and AIK.

Arsenal described Olsson, who left the club in 2014, as a “technically gifted midfielder” known for his composure in possession and goal-scoring ability. 

He featured regularly for Arsenal’s under-21s and made his debut for the first team in 2013, scoring a penalty in a shoot-out win over West Brom.