Tom Lockyer Ready to Resume Football Career After Recovery
Tom Lockyer is prepared to return to his football career following an extensive recovery from a cardiac arrest.
The 30-year-old Welsh defender has not participated in a competitive match for club or country since he experienced a cardiac arrest during Luton Town's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on December 16, 2023.
Lockyer had previously collapsed on the field seven months earlier during Luton’s Championship play-off final victory over Coventry City at Wembley.
His recovery was further complicated by the need for two ankle surgeries over the past year.
“It’s been a long old road, it really has,” Lockyer stated in an interview on the Feast of Football podcast. “But I’m delighted to say I’ve been cleared to play football again, which is amazing. It’s everything I’ve worked for since the incident.”
“Everything looks good, so I’m really, really happy.”
Currently, Lockyer is without a club after Luton, who were relegated for the second consecutive season in May, informed him that they would not renew his contract upon its expiration last summer. Nevertheless, Luton allowed the former Bristol Rovers and Charlton Athletic center-back to continue using their facilities and to work with their physiotherapists and medical staff during his rehabilitation.
Lockyer has earned 16 caps for Wales, with his most recent appearance coming in November 2023 during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Turkey.
This match took place under the leadership of former Wales manager Rob Page, while Craig Bellamy has since taken over as the national head coach, impressing Lockyer with his approach.
“He’s [Bellamy] still pretty early in his journey, I’d imagine, from where he wants to get to,” Lockyer remarked. “That’s probably exciting for Wales fans because he doesn’t see himself as the finished article and acknowledges that there’s still a lot to improve upon and learn.”
“I think he is a breath of fresh air. The way he discusses upcoming games is quite refreshing, and he doesn’t shy away from tough opponents.”
Wales is set to face England in another challenging friendly at Wembley on Thursday, October 9, before hosting Belgium in a World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium the following Monday.
While some have questioned the decision to play England just before a crucial World Cup qualifier, Lockyer believes Bellamy’s strategy of matching his side against difficult opponents will be beneficial.
Lockyer added, “Bellamy has been quite vocal about the data he wants regarding players’ performance. He mentioned wanting to play Canada because they are very athletic, which helps gather useful data.”
“What he does with that data, I’m not entirely sure, but he has set clear demands for the players—working hard is non-negotiable, and I absolutely love that. A team that doesn’t work hard is not a team for me.”