Luton captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch during the Premier League match against Bournemouth in December after suffering a cardiac arrest; the 29-year-old defender returned to Luton's training ground on Monday
Tuesday 30 January 2024 07:32, UK
Luton captain Tom Lockyer had an emotional reunion with his team-mates on Monday and admitted to feeling "disconnected" with the football world following his cardiac arrest last month.
The 29-year-old visited the club's Brache training ground for the first time since an on-pitch collapse during the Hatters' game against Bournemouth on December 16 left him hospitalised for five days.
He was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator before being discharged and he revealed he has since been spending time resting and doing jigsaws, as well as a spot of DIY.
Lockyer relished being back among his team-mates, and was first greeted by great friend Carlton Morris, but confessed he is missing the everyday buzz of being a professional footballer.
"I've really enjoyed coming in and seeing all the lads. I haven't seen them since what happened, so it's really nice to see them all and be back in the building," Lockyer told the club website.
"It makes you miss it. Being away, you almost get a bit disconnected from the football world because it is unique and different than anything else you do.
"Being so active for all my life, not just football but everything else in general, to then be told you can't really do anything has been quite difficult. I've been trying to find things to do in the days.
"I've got a couple of Harry Potter jigsaws but I think the Lego is my favourite. Just anything to try to keep me busy. I'm a bit of a handyman, if you need a wonky shelf or a wonky picture frame [fixing], I'm your man."
Lockyer will be cheering on Luton from the sidelines when they return to Premier League action against Brighton on Tuesday at Kenilworth Road.
The Wales defender was filmed shaking hands and hugging various team-mates and club staff on Monday morning before watching on as they went about a few drills in front of the cameras.
"It was amazing to see him back," manager Rob Edwards said. "We had a really good morning seeing him around the place.
"We handed out the debut Premier League balls with [former managers] John Still and Mick Harford. It was a nice presentation; it was a special moment and great to see.
"I managed to hold it together but it was emotional. It's been a really difficult time for his family first and foremost, but for us it was great to see him.
"He's an unbelievably brave man and someone who has an unbelievable handle over all of it. I wouldn't be how he is.
"He's such an impressive and focused person. There's a rehabilitation process but he's taking it slowly, he's got a baby on the way and that's his main focus."
At the end of 2023, Lockyer spoke publicly for the first time since suffering his cardiac arrest, saying he would assess his football future in the new year.
Having been discharged from hospital to complete his recovery at home, Lockyer gave an update on his condition.
Writing on Instagram, he said: "I would just like to say that I am doing very well and feeling very much myself after the cardiac arrest I suffered in Bournemouth.
"The reason I'm doing so well is all down to the heroic actions of the players, staff, doctors and paramedics. I feel thankful that this happened to me surrounded by these heroes. They saved my life. I will never forget what you did for me. While I'm sad not to be involved, I feel full of pride watching the boys carry on the battle without me. The fighting spirit I've seen in the last three games has given me a much needed lift.
"I will be doing whatever I can in whichever ways are possible to help the gaffer and the club. In what capacity that is remains to be decided as I'm due to meet with specialists in the new year. I cannot stress enough how important it is for as many people as possible to know CPR. It literally saves lives, like mine.
"Please check out the British Heart Foundation website for basics or get yourself on a course. You just never know when you might need it. I have been overwhelmed by the support that I have received and thank you all for your messages, letters, gifts and well wishes.
"Seeing the banners at the ground and hearing my name being sung really did mean a lot to me and my family. Finally I would like to thank Bournemouth, Gary Sweet, Rob Edwards and Luton Town for the support they've given my family during this time. I hope that everyone has a very Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024."
