Christian Eriksen offers Tom Lockyer support after Luton captain collapses on the pitch

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has wished Tom Lockyer the best in his recovery, and given him some advice after the Luton Town defender collapsed on the pitch against Bournemouth at the weekend. 

Lockyer, who also collapsed during the play-off final win over Coventry City in May, remains in hospital but was reported to be stable as he awaits further tests. Having collapsed at Wembley, Luton’s captain had heart surgery before being given the all-clear to return to football in June. 

However, after these latest complications, his future in the game is uncertain. It’s a feeling that Eriksen can relate to, having been in a similar position himself after collapsing on the pitch at Euro 2020. Eriksen had a cardiac arrest while playing against Finland in a moment that stopped the footballing world in its tracks. 

His heart stopped on the pitch and he was given CPR by medics while the players on the pitch formed a barrier to respect his privacy. After five minutes his heart restarted and, fortunately, Denmark’s star recovered and was fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). Few thought he would play elite-level football again, but he returned with Brentford before moving to Manchester United. 

Speaking to Betfred, Eriksen expressed his concern for Lockyer.  “Well first of all, I hope he’s okay. I’ve read and seen what’s happened and I hope he’s okay, takes his time, is in a healthy way and his family are there to support him. I cross my fingers that he’s fine.”

When asked if he had any advice given the similar situation he went through, he continued: “My advice to him would be to make the best decision you can. If the doctors tell you to do something else then you’ve got to respect it and see what you can do. 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, but he should take his time and focus on himself.”

Luton Town have asked that Lockyer’s privacy is respected during this time, and that updates on his condition will be released on their official channels when the time is right.