Man Utd star Christian Eriksen tells Tom Lockyer to ‘respect doctor’s decision’ after cardiac arrest in Bournemouth game
CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN has pleaded with Tom Lockyer to "respect doctors' decisions" following his cardiac arrest at Bournemouth.
Luton skipper Lockyer, 29, collapsed early in the second half at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.
The Premier League clash was abandoned at 1-1 as the defender was rushed to hospital.
Luton confirmed soon after that their captain had suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch.
The 16-cap Wales international was responsive when he was taken off on a stretcher and is stable.
The latest update from the Hatters confirmed he is still undergoing tests and scans in hospital before he can begin his recovery at home.
READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
Lockyer collapsed at Wembley in May's play-off final and had minor surgery before getting the all-clear to lead his team in the Premier League.
But now Eriksen has advised his fellow footballer to think carefully about his decisions and consider the wisdom of the experts treating him.
Eriksen, 31, had a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at Euro 2020 and was given the green light to return to football after having an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator device fitted to regulate his heartbeat.
The Manchester United midfielder, who made his Brentford debut eight months after his ordeal, told : “Well first of all, I hope he’s OK. I cross my fingers that he’s fine.
Most read in Football
"I’ve read and seen what’s happened and I hope he’s OK, takes his time, is in a healthy way and his family are there to support him.
“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."
Following Lockyer's cardiac arrest at Bournemouth, Luton manager Rob Edwards immediately sprinted on to the pitch to get the players to make way for the medical team.
The two teams returned to the dressing rooms as Lockyer received treatment from the medics, then the match was officially abandoned soon after 5pm and will be replayed in full at a later date.
The BBC were praised for how they handled the incident on Match of the Day.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The programme opened by quickly showing both goals from the match as presenter Gary Lineker explained the situation.
Lineker called it a "traumatic day in the Premier League" and sent best wishes to Lockyer.
