Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has had a defibrillator fitted (Getty)
Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has been discharged from hospital, after he suffered a cardiac arrest during his side’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Saturday, December 16.
The 29-year-old collapsed on the pitch in the 59th minute of the game last weekend, which led to the decision to abandon the match.
Lockyer – who also collapsed in the 11th minute of the Championship Play-Off final in May after suffering an atrial fibrillation – had surgery on Tuesday, December 19 to have a ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) device fitted.
Luton have revealed that the issue Lockyer experienced on Saturday was different to the atrial fibrillation he suffered during the Championship Play-Off final.
Lockyer was discharged from hospital on Wednesday, December 20 and is now recovering at home.
A statement from Luton on Thursday, December 21 read: ‘We are thankful to report that our captain Tom Lockyer has now begun a period of rehabilitation from the comfort of his own home after he was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.
‘This encouraging news follows a successful procedure that took place on Tuesday whereby Tom had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) device fitted to prevent a repeat of Saturday’s incident.
Tom Lockyer collapsed in the second half of Luton’s match against Bournemouth last weekend (Reuters)
‘The Club, Tom and the Lockyer family would like to take this opportunity to repeat our collective heartfelt thanks to all at Bournemouth, their supporters, club officials and especially their medical staff and midfielder Philip Billing, who was the first to reach Tom on the pitch and summon assistance.
‘Supported by the actions of Bournemouth’s medical team and local paramedics, it was ultimately the protocols instilled and professional actions of our own medical staff that gave Tom this chance to recover and to whom we are thankful.
‘Naturally, the events that unfolded last weekend surprised and shocked everyone witnessing it. Together with Sporting Chance, via the Premier League, the Club is in the process of providing care for those who may be affected by any distress caused.
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‘The clinical advice Tom and the Club has taken since the Championship play-off final has been conducted by the most renowned cardiologists, who have been involved at every step, along with a team of supporting multi-disciplinary consultant.
‘We can now confirm that the tests taken this week had revealed that the issue Tom experienced on Saturday was different to the atrial fibrillation he suffered in May.
‘Tom, his family and the Club would like to thank everyone in the football family who have sent messages of concern and love. The level of support has been overwhelming.
‘We’re so proud to have Locks as our captain and his leadership will continue from the sidelines where his courage will inspire his team-mates, colleagues, and supporters, starting on Saturday.’
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