Luton Town have confirmed that club captain Tom Lockyer has been discharged from hospital after undergoing surgery following his on-pitch collapse against Bournemouth.
The Hatters revealed Lockyer had suffered cardiac arrest when he collapsed to the turf at the weekend in a game which the Premier League have since confirmed will be replayed in full at a later date.
“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,” a Luton statement read.
“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.”
Lockyer’s collapse sparked immediate memories of a similar incident during last season’s play-off final, in which the 29-year-old also collapsed before being sent to hospital for heart surgery.
Amid questions over Lockyer’s safety in competitive sport, Luton stressed the two incidents had different causes.
“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,” the club added.
“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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