The skipper of Luton Town, Tom Lockyer, who experienced a cardiac arrest during a game in December and was declared “clinically deceased,” has now come back to the club’s training premises to commence the next phase of his recovery journey.
The club posted a message on its website on Tuesday: “We are delighted to announce to our fans and well-wishers worldwide that our captain, Tom Lockyer, has returned to The Brache [training ground] to initiate the upcoming segment of his recuperation.
“Under the supervision of top consultants in London and Amsterdam, Tom has completed the recent stage of his rehabilitation at a specialized clinic.
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“In addition to his rehabilitation regimen, Tom will also collaborate with the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness about CPR and defibrillator usage. His primary focus at the moment will be on the subsequent phase of his recovery.”
Announcing his return, the club, affectionately known as The Hatters, stated: “Our Locks is back at The Brache”.
The 29-year-old Lockyer collapsed during a Premier League match at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium on December 16, in the presence of his father and pregnant partner.
He recalled being “clinically dead” for two minutes and 40 seconds before medical professionals revived him and subsequently had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implanted.
Luton fans stand with a banner for Tom Lockyer. Pic: PA
Prior to this incident, he had previously collapsed on the field seven months earlier during the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium due to a distinct heart ailment, atrial fibrillation.
In May, Lockyer, who welcomed his first child in March, expressed his sentiment stating that although he “would love to play again,” he was content with the notion of retiring.
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Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Lockyer stated: “I’ve openly stated my desire to return to the sport, but ultimately, a decision needs to be made by a cardiologist or specialist who has thoroughly investigated the situation, considering the well-being of my daughter, who is now my top priority.”
He is among several soccer players, past or present, who have survived heart attacks, cardiac arrests, or heart issues.
This group includes Graeme Souness, Glenn Hoddle, David Ginola, and Fabrice Muamba, with the latter pair, like Lockyer, experiencing collapses during matches.
