31 May 2023 , 17:58
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Luton captain Tom Lockyer has been given the all clear to return home after being taken to hospital following his collapse during the Championship play-off final on Saturday.
Lockyer, 28, fell to the floor while running back towards his own goal during the opening stages of Saturday's penalty-shootout victory over Coventry at Wembley which sensationally earned Luton promotion to the Premier League. The Welsh centre-back was taken off on a stretcher after 12 minutes before being driven to hospital, where he was well enough to watch the rest of the match.
Now he's heading home, as Luton confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday evening: "We are so pleased to report that Tom Lockyer will be allowed to leave hospital and return home tomorrow. We would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support for Locks and can't wait to see him back home at the Kenny with that trophy in his hands!"
The Wales international has now completed all the necessary medical tests and observations to be allowed home for a period of rest before the start of pre-season training, which he will be fit to take part in. Lockyer was also forced to watch Luton's promotion parade from his hospital bed, having been instrumental in the Hatters' fairytale rise to the top flight.
Having joined Luton in August 2020 following their first season back in the second tier, the ex-Basingstoke, Bristol Rovers and Charlton defender quickly became an integral part of manager Nathan Jones' side. When new boss Rob Edwards took over earlier this term, Lockyer remained pivotal.
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His crucial winning goal against Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals summed up his importance, wearing the captain's armband on perhaps the greatest ever night at their home of Kenilworth Road. Fans were understandably concerned when Lockyer collapsed so early into Saturday's final and he issued an update shortly after he was pictured celebrating the win alongside his family in hospital.
Tom Lockyer was stretchered off early in the first half (Simon Dael/REX/Shutterstock)Have your say! Will Luton stay up next season? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
"Well not quite where I thought I'd be celebrating at the final whistle," he wrote on Instagram. "I would just like to say a massive thank you to the amazing physios and doctors at Luton and Wembley for the swift and thorough response. A much scarier moment for everyone else than myself I am sure!
"Commiserations to Coventry a fantastic opponent over 3 games which had to be decided by penalties. I am currently in hospital under precaution and will stay here overnight for further tests in the morning. I am feeling very much myself, helped by the way the lads left it all out on pitch! It's such an honour to be part of this team... Premier League baby."