Luton Captain Tom Lockyer Discharged From Hospital Four Days After Cardiac Arrest

Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old had spent four nights under the supervision of doctors after suffering a cardiac arrest during Saturday's Premier League away game at Bournemouth.

Luton said in a club statement that Lockyer had undergone "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 statement also said: "We are thankful to report that our captain Tom Lockyer has now begun a period of rehabilitation from the comfort of his own home".

Tom Lockyer pictured playing for Luton Town against Bournemouth before he collapsed on the field during Saturday's game

IMAGO/PRiME Media Images/David Horn

It added: "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."

Lockyer collapsed on the field during the second half of Luton's game at Bournemouth, which was abandoned with the score tied a 1-1.

The Premier League later announced that the match will be replayed in full at some point next year.

Medical staff pictured treating Lockyer at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium

IMAGO/Focus Images/Jeremy Landey

Lockyer's heart attack on Saturday came 203 days after he had collapsed on the pitch during last season's EFL Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium.

He suffered an atrial fibrillation at Wembley - a condition that can cause an irregular or abnormally fast heart rate.

Lockyer underwent heart surgery over the summer before being cleared to return to playing.

"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," Luton's statement explained on Thursday.

"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."

Lockyer pictured leaving the 2023 EFL Championship play-off final on a stretcher

IMAGO/Sportimage/David Klein

Luton's statement did not say whether or not Lockyer will continue his playing career following his latest heart scare.

But he would not be the first footballer to play in the Premier League after being fitted with an ICD.

Christian Eriksen had an ICD fitted after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark against Finland in June 2021.

Eriksen has featured in 59 matches in all competitions for Brentford and Manchester United since then.

Christian Eriksen pictured playing for Manchester United against Manchester City in October 2022

IMAGO/Action Plus/David Blunsden