Luton captain Tom Lockyer had an emotional reunion with his team-mates on Monday and admitted to feeling “disconnected” with the football world following his cardiac arrest last month.
The 29-year-old visited the club’s Brache training ground for the first time since an on-pitch collapse during the Hatters’ game against Bournemouth on December 16 left him hospitalised for five days.
He was fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator before being discharged and he revealed he has since been spending time resting and doing jigsaws, as well as a spot of DIY.
Lockyer relished being back among his team-mates, and was first greeted by great friend Carlton Morris, but confessed he is missing the everyday buzz of being a professional footballer.
“I’ve really enjoyed coming in and seeing all the lads. I haven’t seen them since what happened, so it’s really nice to see them all and be back in the building,” Lockyer told the club website.
“It makes you miss it. Being away, you almost get a bit disconnected from the football world because it is unique and different than anything else you do.
“Being so active for all my life, not just football but everything else in general, to then be told you can’t really do anything has been quite difficult. I’ve been trying to find things to do in the days.
“I’ve got a couple of Harry Potter jigsaws but I think the Lego is my favourite. Just anything to try to keep me busy. I’m a bit of a handyman, if you need a wonky shelf or a wonky picture frame (fixing), I’m your man.”
Lockyer will be cheering on Luton from the sidelines when they return to Premier League action against Brighton on Tuesday at Kenilworth Road.
The Wales defender was filmed shaking hands and hugging various team-mates and club staff on Monday morning before watching on as they went about a few drills in front of the cameras.
“It was amazing to see him back,” manager Rob Edwards said. “We had a really good morning seeing him around the place.
“We handed out the debut Premier League balls with (former managers) John Still and Mick Harford. It was a nice presentation; it was a special moment and great to see.
“I managed to hold it together but it was emotional. It’s been a really difficult time for his family first and foremost, but for us it was great to see him.
“He’s an unbelievably brave man and someone who has an unbelievable handle over all of it. I wouldn’t be how he is.
“He’s such an impressive and focused person. There’s a rehabilitation process but he’s taking it slowly, he’s got a baby on the way and that’s his main focus.”
Luton host the Seagulls knowing victory could lift them out of the relegation zone depending on how Everton, one point clear, fare against Fulham.
Luton, who left it until second-half stoppage time to beat the Toffees in their dramatic fourth-round FA Cup clash on Saturday, will have that contest’s winning goal-scorer Cauley Woodrow at their disposal despite the forward breaking his hand in the victory.
Gabe Osho returns after missing that match with injury, while Edwards will also have Jordan Clark back at his disposal after the winger served a suspension.
Al Ahli 1-2 Al Hilal: Malcom saves league leaders' winning streak
Malcom’s stunning solo goal finished Al Hilal’s second-half comeback to earn a 2-1 win over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.
The forward started his run from inside his own half before slotting in the winner, after teeing up Aleksandr Mitrovic for the equaliser just after the interval.
Feras Al Brikan had given Al Ahli the lead in the 30th minute, but the hosts could not hold onto it against the league leaders.
Al Hilal continue their unbeaten league campaign to a 30th match, moving 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Al Ahli remain in third, now 22 points off the AFC Champions League spot.
Data Debrief
Malcom was one of Al Hilal's most influential players; as well as playing a hand in both goals, he had the joint-most shots (five), and the joint-most shots on target (two), and created two chances for his team.
Al Ahli also struggled to cope with Mitrovic's threat, as the Serbian created an xG of 0.61 from his five shots, having 11 touches in the opposition box.
Ronaldo delivers another hat-trick as Al Nassr ease past Al Wedha
Cristiano Ronaldo crafted a decisive hat-trick as Al Nassr hammered Al Wedha 6-0 in Saturday's Saudi Pro League meeting.
Portugal veteran Ronaldo found the net twice in the first 12 minutes at Al Awal Park before completing his treble after the interval.
Sadio Mane teed up Ronaldo's third finish, as well as an 18th-minute strike from Otavio, who returned the favour for the Senegal international to score on the stroke of half-time.
Mohammed Al Fatil added a late sixth as Al Nassr recorded their seventh straight league win since their March 7 loss against Al Raed, moving them back within nine points of leaders Al Hilal.
Jorge Jesus's Al Hilal swept Al Tauwoon aside in a 3-0 away triumph on Friday for their fourth straight victory across all competitions.
Talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium before Saud Abdulhamid and Saleh Alsherhi wrapped up a win that kept Al Hilal in charge of the title race.
There was no such fortune for fifth-placed Al Ittihad as they fell to a third straight defeat in all competitions after a 3-1 loss away against Abha.
Jota levelled after Grzegorz Krychowiak's 57th-minute penalty, only for Hassan Al-Ali and Fabian Noguera to power hosts Abha to a comfortable win.
Pioli focused on Genoa clash as speculation intensifies over Milan exit
Milan's disappointing campaign has put Stefano Pioli under scrutiny but his full concentration remains on a positive end to the season.
The Rossoneri are second in Serie A but 19 points adrift of champions Inter, and their fans suffered witnessing their fierce rivals secure the Scudetto in the recent derby win at San Siro.
That has only increased media reports about Pioli's dismissal once the season ends, with fans also protesting at the situation Milan face.
"My task shouldn't be complicated, there are four games left," Pioli told a press conference before Sunday's home game against Genoa.
"It's true that outside they talk about everything except the games, but not us. We have a great sense of responsibility. Then we'll see what the future is at the end of the season."
Some Italian reports have suggested Pioli could move to Napoli, though the Milan head coach refuted those claims.
"No thoughts, other than the next four games. At the end of the season, I'll meet with Milan and we'll see what to do," Pioli said.
"You've waited a long time, wait a little longer to talk about the future, the work is not done. The reality is I have another year on my contract with Milan and I won't speak to any other club while I'm under contract."
The atmosphere is tense around the club, and Milan ultras have announced they will not support the team against Genoa, remaining in silence without any banners or flags, as a form of protest against the owners.
"Our fans have always been an added value, especially in difficult moments. And I don't forget it," Pioli continued.
"They have taken this position and we respect it, then we have to do everything to win the game."
Milan have a five-point lead over Juventus in third and Genoa are 12th on 42 points, moving out of relegation danger.
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