Tom Lockyer suffers second collapse: Latest status of Luton Town captain as Bournemouth clash suspended

Luton Town's clash with AFC Bournemouth was suspended on Saturday after Hatters captain Tom Lockyer collapsed at the Vitality Stadium. Concern is always going to be sky-high when a player collapses, but there will be huge worry given Lockyer also collapsed during last season's playoff final.

Thankfully, the Welsh defender is alert and responsive, but the game was called off and it will not be resumed on Saturday. Here is what we know about the situation so far.

What happened to Lockyer?

Lockyer collapsed in the 58th minute of the fixture at the Vitality Stadium, and it has since been confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest. Luton manager Rob Edrwards and medical staff immediately ran onto the pitch, with Edwards quickly ushering his players away to create space for the medical staff. Lockyer was then stretchered off the pitch, and players were told to return to their respective dressing rooms. After a delay of 25 minutes, the fixture was called off.

Luton later confirmed in a statement: "Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher. He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.

"Tom was transferred to hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside. We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks."

Lockyer's medical history

Lockyer also collapsed during Luton's playoff final back in May, It was later confirmed that he suffered an atrial fibrillation, and he received surgery in a big to correct the issue and to prevent further instances. He was later given the all-clear to return to football, and he did return during pre-season.

What did Lockyer say about his return?

In an interview with Sky Sports, Lockyer said upon his return in the summer: "I'm doing well. It's been a mad week or so. I had the all-clear yesterday [Monday] and I'm all good moving forward. I was quite lucky. They knew straight away what it was and it wasn't life-threatening. It was an atrial flutter, which is an irregular heartbeat, so my heart wasn't responding as it should in those situations.

"It's probably the least severe heart condition you could have and I had a little procedure on Wednesday [May 31] to correct that and it should never happen again. It's quite funny, really - I didn't feel anything at all. I had a great chance with the header and got a little bit excited from that, thinking I'd scored at Wembley!

"Then I was just running backwards, went really light-headed and my legs went really weak straightaway. I remember stumbling backwards. I was told I was coming off as I'd collapsed and I was like 'no, no I'm fine!' I wondered why I was on the floor, so that's when I realised and the emotions all went. When I went off on the stretcher, Rob [Edwards] came to me and said 'don't worry, we'll win it for you' and I was bawling my eyes out so couldn't respond."

Will the fixture be resumed?

Lockyer's health is, of course, the most important part of this situation, but fans will be wondering what will happen to the fixture that was suspended. The game was suspended in the 58th minute, with the score at 1-1 after Dominic Solanke equalised following an early Elijah Adebayo goal.

The Premier League will discuss the best options with the two clubs when there is more clarity over Lockyer's health. The league have tweeted:: "Our thoughts are with Tom Lockyer and all players involved in today's match." The league may well propose a number of options to the clubs, including restarting the game at the 58th minute, starting it again or taking the result as it stood at the moment it was called off. The two clubs would have to agree on the best option, and if they don't, the Premier League will take the decision over the best course of action.