Luton captain Tom Lockyer has been released from hospital having had a device fitted that can detect an abnormal heart rhythm.
Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest during Luton’s game with Bournemouth on Saturday, prompting the Premier League fixture to be abandoned. It was the second time the 29-year-old had collapsed on the field having suffered an atrial fibrillation during the Hatters’ Championship play-off final win against Coventry in May.
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Luton say Saturday’s incident was unconnected to the problem he suffered seven months ago and he has now been fitted with an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator).
A club statement 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.
“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.”
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.
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— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) December 21, 2023
Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen was also fitted with an ICD after he suffered a cardiac arrest playing for Denmark against Finland during the European Championship in 2021.
Luton’s statement continued: “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 consultants.
“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.”