Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has offered his advice to Luton’s Tom Lockyer after the defender suffered a cardiac arrest in the game against Bournemouth.
In distressing scenes, the Welshman collapsed in the centre circle and was treated for an extended period of time on the pitch but was said to be alert and responsive as he was stretchered off.
Now in hospital, he is reported to be stable as tests are carried out.
It’s the second time in seven months that Lockyer has collapsed during a game after suffering an atrial fibrilation during Championship play-off final in May. Then he was taken to hospital and later explained that the the top part of his heart was beating four times faster than it should have been.
However, he underwent heart surgery and was then given the all-clear to play again in June, and has since captained Luton 16 times in their first-ever season in the Premier League.
After his collapse at the weekend, the latest update from the Hatters came on Sunday and in a statement the club said: “Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.”
Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark against Finland during Euro 2020 and was saved by medics on the pitch.
After recovering, the Dane was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD), which the British Heart Foundation describe as ‘a small device which can treat people with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms. It sends electrical pulses to regulate abnormal heart rhythms, especially those that could be dangerous and cause a cardiac arrest.’
He was treated by Professor Sanjay Sharma, who was the same cardiologist that Lockyer also saw in the summer, and the device allowed Eriksen to return to football with Brentford before making the switch to Old Trafford.
Speaking to Betfred, a concerned Eriksen said: “Well first of all, I hope he’s OK. I’ve read and seen what’s happened and I hope he’s OK, takes his time, is in a healthy way and his family are there to support him. I cross my fingers that he’s fine.”
Asked if he had any advice for Lockyer, the midfielder added: “My advice to him would be to make the best decision you can. Listen to the doctors and if (they) tell you to maybe do something else then respect that.
“There’s nothing that’s going to hold you back, but in the end it all depends on how he’s feeling and what the doctors are saying. He has to make the decision with his family on what’s next, but he should take his time and focus on himself.”
Among the tributes and well-wished that have poured in for Lockyer from the wider football community, was a message of support from Fabrice Muamba, who also suffered a cardiac arrest while playing for Bolton in 2012.
The 35-year-old posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: ‘Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tom Lockyer. It’s great to hear you are responsive and alert. Rest up and God willing you recover well. Thinking of you and your family today.’
