Tom Lockyer’s Recovery Progresses as he Prepares for Wales Reunion
Tom Lockyer, the Luton skipper, has accepted Robert Page’s invitation to join the Wales squad next week. Lockyer suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during a match against Bournemouth on December 16. However, his recovery has progressed well, and he recently returned to the scene of his cardiac arrest when Bournemouth defeated Luton 4-3.
Lockyer, who is 29 years old, will have a reunion with his Welsh teammates in Cardiff. The Welsh squad is currently preparing for a crucial Euro 2024 play-off semi-final against Finland next Thursday. Page, the Wales manager, named his 28-man squad on Wednesday and confirmed that Lockyer will be a part of it.
Lockyer previously played for Wales in a Euro qualifier against Turkey in November, which ended in a 1-1 draw. This result set up Wales’ route via the play-offs. If Wales manages to defeat Finland, they will face either Poland or Estonia in the final for a chance to secure a place at the finals in Germany this summer.
Lockyer’s recovery has been remarkable considering he was technically dead for two minutes and 40 seconds before being resuscitated by medics at the Vitality Stadium. Last Wednesday, he returned to Bournemouth for the rearranged Premier League fixture and had the opportunity to meet the heroes who saved his life.
This is not the first time Lockyer has faced health issues on the pitch. He also collapsed during Luton’s Championship play-off victory over Coventry at Wembley last May. Lockyer now wants to raise awareness about CPR and encourages more people to learn it.
Page revealed that the Welsh squad, including captain Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, and Kieffer Moore, underwent a CPR class last September to raise awareness. Lockyer himself is championing CPR and promoting its importance.
The Welsh squad is known for being tight-knit, and Lockyer’s medical case has only strengthened their bond. When he collapsed during the match on the south coast, his teammates Chris Mepham, David Brooks, and Kieffer Moore were all in the Bournemouth squad that day. Brooks, who is currently on loan at Southampton, has also made a full recovery from cancer. Page believes that the unity within the Welsh ranks is powerful and goes beyond football.
Page stated, “There’s more to life than football, and when you see them on camp, take football away from it, they’re a good group together, they are good mates.” He also mentioned how difficult it must have been for Mepham, Moore, and Brooks to witness Lockyer on the ground during the match but expressed his excitement about having them all back together in the squad.
Lockyer’s recovery progress has been remarkable, and his reunion with the Wales squad is a testament to his determination and resilience. As Wales prepares for their crucial Euro 2024 play-off semi-final, Lockyer’s presence will undoubtedly provide inspiration and motivation for his teammates.