Luton's Lockyer discharged from hospital after cardiac arrest on pitch

Luton's match against Bournemouth was abandoned after Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch and will be replayed in full. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON - Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer has been discharged from hospital after he suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the Premier League game against Bournemouth last weekend, the club said on Dec 21.

The 29-year-old defender left hospital on Dec 20 after he had an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) device fitted to prevent a repeat of the incident.

The match was abandoned after the incident and will be replayed again in full.

“We are thankful to report that our captain Tom Lockyer has now begun a period of rehabilitation from the comfort of his own home,” Luton said in a statement.

“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.”

Luton confirmed that the issue Lockyer experienced in the Bournemouth match on Dec 16 was different to the atrial fibrillation he suffered in May during their promotion playoff final win over Coventry City.

“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,” the club added.

Luton, who are 18th in the league standings, host sixth-place Newcastle United on Dec 23. REUTERS

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.