Luton captain Tom Lockyer has been discharged from hospital following a successful procedure to fit an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD).

Lockyer collapsed in the 59th minute of Saturday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth after he suffered a cardiac arrest, which resulted in the game being abandoned.

Luton said the 29-year-old Lockyer has now begun a period of rehabilitation at his own home in the wake of the incident, which they said was unrelated to his previous collapse in the play-off final in May.

The club said in a statement: “We are thankful to report that our captain Tom Lockyer has now begun a period of rehabilitation from the comfort of his own home after he was discharged from hospital on Wednesday.

“This encouraging news follows a successful procedure that took place on Tuesday whereby Tom had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) device fitted to prevent a repeat of Saturday’s incident.

“The club, Tom and the Lockyer family would like to take this opportunity to repeat our collective heartfelt thanks to all at Bournemouth, their supporters, club officials and especially their medical staff and midfielder Philip Billing, who was the first to reach Tom on the pitch and summon assistance.”

Concerns for Lockyer’s health had been heightened given the previous incident, during the play-off final victory over Coventry, following which Lockyer underwent surgery to correct an atrial fibrillation.

He subsequently returned to action for the start of the new season and had made 15 appearances in all competitions before Saturday’s match.

But Luton’s statement continued: “The clinical advice Tom and the Club has taken since the Championship play-off final has been conducted by the most renowned cardiologists, who have been involved at every step, along with a team of supporting multi-disciplinary consultants.

“We can now confirm that the tests taken this week had revealed that the issue Tom experienced on Saturday was different to the atrial fibrillation he suffered in May.”

Bournemouth sent their support for Lockyer in a post on their social media accounts, responding: “We couldn’t be happier to hear this news. We’re wishing Tom well for his continued recovery.”

The Premier League announced on Wednesday that the match will be replayed in full on a date yet to be confirmed.

Liverpool have condemned the actions that led to Manchester United’s team bus being damaged before Sunday’s Premier League clash and vowed to punish those responsible.

A number of objects are understood to have been thrown at the visitors’ coach as it approached Anfield as the Red Devils made the short trip to Merseyside.

Part of a window on the upper deck of the bus was smashed, with footage on social media appearing to show it was as the result of a glass bottle being thrown.

A statement from the hosts read: “Liverpool Football Club utterly condemns the actions that led to damage being caused to the Manchester United team bus during its arrival at Anfield this afternoon.

“We are aware of footage of the incident circulating online and are working with Merseyside Police, to fully investigate and identify those responsible.

“Any individuals found guilty of this reprehensible behaviour will also face the full force of the club’s sanction process.”

Luton captain Tom Lockyer remained in hospital undergoing tests and scans on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Saturday’s abandoned match at Bournemouth.

Following the incident at the Vitality Stadium that halted play in the second half of the Premier League contest, the Hatters had confirmed Lockyer was “responsive” before being taken to hospital and in a “stable” condition.

An update from the club on Sunday read: “Tom is still undergoing tests and scans, and is awaiting the results before the next steps for his recovery are determined.”

The statement on lutontown.co.uk added: “We understand that supporters are concerned for him and that there is widespread media interest in his condition.

“We are unable to provide a running commentary on his situation, and request that all media please wait for any updates to be released via the club’s official channels when the time is right.

“We all want the very best for Tom, his partner Taylor and the whole Lockyer family, and politely ask that his and their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”

Sean Dyche was delighted with a couple of Everton’s fringe players after they stepped up to deliver in Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over his old club Burnley.

Former Claret Michael Keane scored Everton’s second in his first appearance since October 21, while alongside him in defence Ben Godfrey – making his first Premier League start of the season – made a vital block to prevent the Clarets getting back into it just before half-time.

Dyche said he had been forced to change his game plan significantly on Friday morning after Vitaliy Mykolenko joined the list of absentees but said the way his players responded showed they had bought into the system he and his staff are implementing.

“It’s something we built over my time here, not just me, the staff have been working really hard with the players to let them know the respect we have when they’re not in the side,” Dyche said.

“I’ve always thought the strongest groups I’ve played with or worked with are the people outside the starting 11 because they keep you strong, because they’re not just accepting it.

“I don’t mind players being disgruntled and asking me questions, but when it comes to your training do it right, do it properly and it will pay you back – and it is. There are people having to come in who haven’t played in a while but they’re coming and delivering.”

Those fringe players could be vital over the busy festive period, with Everton next facing a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Tuesday. Abdoulaye Doucoure could be an injury doubt for that match after being replaced at half-time at Turf Moor with tightness in his hamstring.

For Burnley, who are among the sides Everton have beaten to reach the last eight in the League Cup, Saturday’s defeat left them with only eight points from 17 games, off the foot of the table on goal difference alone.

There were more encouraging signs in the performance but they were undone by two set-plays, with Amadou Onana allowed too much space to head in the opener from a corner, while Keane’s goal came as a result of a long free-kick pumped forward by Jordan Pickford.

It was another frustrating day at Turf Moor but the big positive was the return of Lyle Foster, who made his first appearance since October 21, coming on as a half-time substitute following time away to receive help with mental health issues.

Kompany welcomed the 23-year-old back but added a note of caution, saying this was only part of a process.

“We follow what the medical experts say,” Kompany said. “It’s step by step, it’s a small environment, it’s being with the team, being with the people he considers his friends. Keeping a very, very small world for him and that seems to put him in a good place. This is just part of his recovery as well.”

During the week, before it was known that Foster would play, Kompany had insisted the South Africa forward would not be available for the Africa Cup of Nations despite having been named in a 50-man provisional squad for the tournament that starts on January 13. That has not changed.

“It’s not even my decision – it’s not up to me,” he said. “We just can’t. It’s the medical advice we’re getting at the moment.

“The conflict of course is he loves to play for his country and from my side, I think AFCON is a big trophy, it’s a big competition, it’s important for me as an African coach to support the competition but it’s not up to me.

“We’ve done everything for the human being to this point, there’s no reason to change all of a sudden now.”

What the papers say

The potential ins and outs at Manchester United continue to keep the rumour mill turning with Brazil midfielder Casemiro at the heart of the speculation. According to The Sun, via French outlet Sports Zone, Paris St Germain are keen on the 31-year-old with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal also interested.

There appears less interest among clubs in ending Jadon Sancho’s time at Old Trafford. The Sun says Manchester United are finding it hard to find a buyer willing to match the 23-year-old’s wages.

One former United player has teased a potential playing return on social media after leaving in the summer. The Daily Mirror reports David De Gea, 33, posted an Instagram message saying “Work, work, work” having been linked with Newcastle or even a shock return to Old Trafford.

Defender Tosin Adarabioyo’s return from injury at Fulham is attracting potential suitors. The Daily Mail says the 26-year-old is catching the eye having almost left for Monaco or Tottenham in the summer.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Cedric Soares: Arsenal’s Portuguese defender, 32, is catching the of Villarreal, says ESPN.

Kendry Paez: The 16-year-old Ecuador midfielder has trained with Chelsea according to The Daily Telegraph, having signed from Independiente del Valle in the summer ahead of a move on his 18th birthday.

What the papers say

The fallout from Manchester United’s Champions League exit continues with the future of manager Erik ten Hag under the spotlight. The Independent says no major decisions are expected until the sale of 25 per cent of the club to Ineos boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe is completed, but The Sun reports former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter is in line to take over.

The Daily Mail reports United are more likely to listen to offers for players after missing out on the money for reaching the knockout stages. Brazil midfielder Casemiro, 31, and France duo Anthony Martial, 28, and Raphael Varane, 30, could be available.

Chelsea left-back Ian Maatsen could be on the move in January. According to the Daily Mirror, the club will be open to offers for the Dutch defender, 21.

English defender Archie Brown’s performances for Belgian side Gent have been catching the eye back home. The Daily Mail says Everton, Burnley and Leeds United are interested in the 21-year-old.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Jakub Kiwior: AC Milan are talking to Arsenal about a loan move for the Poland defender, 23, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

Nico Elvedi: Borussia Monchengladbach’s Swiss defender, 27, is a potential target for Chelsea, reports Teamtalk.

What the papers say

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is attracting a lot of Premier League interest, according to the Daily Mail. The paper says scouts from Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been watching the 21-year-old, who is likely to leave the club next year.

Meanwhile, The Sun, citing Marca, reports former Wolves and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui is wanted by both Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. The 57-year-old has not been in charge of a club since parting ways with Wolves in August, but is believed to be open to another manager job.

Another manager potentially on the move is Will Still, boss of Ligue 1 side Reims. The Telegraph says Sunderland are in talks to appoint the 31-year-old.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Giovani Lo Celso: Barcelona are eyeing a January loan move for the Tottenham midfielder, according to website 90min.

Serhou Guirassy: Sport Bild reports Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle are chasing the Stuttgart forward.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has told Emile Smith Rowe to use his latest injury setback as fuel to return to action better than ever.

Smith Rowe has been sidelined with a knee injury and has not featured since a 5-0 win over Sheffield United on October 28.

The England international is back among the squad and has travelled to the Netherlands for Arsenal’s Champions League group-stage dead rubber at PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

Both sides have already qualified for the last 16 and the Gunners are also assured of advancing in top-spot.

It remains to be seen what role, if any, Smith Rowe will fulfil on Tuesday but, asked if Smith Rowe needs to start again following another injury lay-off as he aims to keep fit for a prolonged period, Arteta replied:: “I think what he’s been through is part of the experience that 90 per cent of footballers have to go through.

“Difficulties, injuries, setbacks and different types of performances now. That’s all in his bag now. If he can use that in a powerful way he’ll be a much better player.

“The way he’s done his rehab, I haven’t seen him do it before like how he’s done it this time. You see the way his team-mates reacted to his comeback which is really positive as well.

“The moment we can give him chances, the better we’re going to be.”

While Arteta admits the job of qualifying for the knockout stages is “technically done” he insists he and his players have a “duty” to try and win every game.

Smith Rowe may have travelled but his England colleague and fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka has stayed behind.

“He is fine,” Arteta told reporters during Monday’s pre-match media conference.

“With a few of them we decided to have another day recovery just 48 hours before and he has played a lot of minutes so it wasn’t worth exposing him.

“We have five or six big injuries so we are already a bit thin.

“I don’t know in another context what I would have done but I also want everyone together with the mentality to win. I want to see that in their tummies tomorrow.”

Among the next group of players progressing through Arsenal’s Hale End set-up, Reuell Walters, Ethan Nwaneri and Lino Sousa have all been taken to the Netherlands by Arteta.

Asked if it has become harder to blood youngsters while challenging for honours, the Spaniard replied: “It gets harder and harder. So the talent has to be really good.

“(They are) three big prospects. We want to keep developing players from our system.

“They deserve to be here. There are circumstances that have brought them here. We will try to give them the opportunity if we can in the right moment.”

Aston Villa's head coach, Unai Emery, has moved to calm concerns over the fitness of Jamaican sensation Leon Bailey after the winger was substituted at halftime during their pivotal 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Villa Park.

Bailey, who provided the crucial assist for John McGinn's seventh-minute goal, raised eyebrows when he did not emerge from the tunnel for the second half.

Emery addressed the situation in the post-match press conference, providing insight into Bailey's condition. Despite the initial worry among Villa fans, Emery hinted that fatigue rather than injury might be the reason for the substitution.

"He was tired, completely tired! Hopefully, he's not injured, but I don't know exactly," Emery reassured, offering a glimmer of hope regarding Bailey's well-being.

Bailey's impactful performance against Arsenal came on the heels of his winning goal against Manchester City last Wednesday night. His ability to make a difference in crucial matches has quickly endeared him to Villa supporters.

However, the Jamaican international has battled injury concerns since joining Aston Villa from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2021. Despite these challenges, Bailey has remarkably missed just one league match throughout the season, sitting out the 6-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion back in September.

The timing of Bailey's potential setback raises questions about his availability for the upcoming Europa Conference League clash against Zrinjski on Thursday night.

The hope is that Bailey's early substitution against Arsenal was a precautionary measure to manage fatigue rather than a recurrence of his injury struggles. As Villa pursues success on multiple fronts, including European competition, the fitness of key players like Leon Bailey remains a critical factor in their aspirations for a successful campaign.

Manchester City equalled the record for consecutive wins in the Premier League with their 14th in a row on December 10, 2017.

Pep Guardiola’s side achieved the milestone in style with a 2-1 victory over neighbours Manchester United at Old Trafford.

City opened up an eye-watering double-digit lead over their local rivals after Nicolas Otamendi fired Guardiola’s men to a derby win.

The much-anticipated 175th Manchester derby was comfortably the biggest game of the Premier League season to that point, such was the need for Jose Mourinho’s Reds to claw back their swashbuckling rivals.

But the gap between table-topping City and second-placed United grew to 11 points, with Otamendi volleying home a second-half winner after Marcus Rashford had cancelled out David Silva’s opener.

The untimely end to United’s club record-equalling 40-match unbeaten home run strengthened their rivals’ grip on the title after just 16 matches, the last 14 won in succession.

That set a new top-flight record run within the same season and meant City emulated Arsenal’s achievement from the end of the 2001-02 season and the start of 2002-03.

Guardiola said: “You cannot be champions in December but I am happy because people said in England, you cannot play that way, but in England you can play in that way as well.”

Silva gave City a deserved first-half lead as he capitalised on a corner that had deflected off Romelu Lukaku.

United fortuitously went into the break level after Rashford took advantage of an error from Fabian Delph, but the blue half of the city were not to be denied as Lukaku’s poor clearance allowed Otamendi to volley home early in the second half.

City would extend their streak to 18 matches with wins over Swansea, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Newcastle before being held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on New Year’s Eve.

They went on to become the first side to accumulate 100 points in a top-flight season in England, finishing 19 clear of United.

What the papers say

Portuguese winger Jota is reportedly looking to reunite with his former Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, the Sun reports. However Postecoglou is unsure if the club will make a move for the 24-year-old. Jota currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.

The Daily Express reports Manchester United have joined the ever-growing race to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are also interested in the 27-year-old.

The Manchester Evening News says Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has ruled out a mid-season move to Manchester United as he does not want to dampen his chances of being selected in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Lucas Paqueta: Manchester City could reportedly lose interest in the West Ham midfielder if there is no resolution found over the gambling investigation into the midfielder, Football Transfers says.

Estevao Willian: Teamtalk reports the 16-year-old Brazilian is being chased by a plethora of clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund.

Arsenal have approached Ben White to begin talks over extending the defender’s contract at the Emirates Stadium.

White, 26, joined the Gunners from Brighton for £50million in 2021 and has since established himself as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice right-back.

The England international has made 103 appearances for Arsenal and returned from injury off the bench in Wednesday’s 6-0 Champions League win over Lens.

The PA news agency understands sporting director Edu has led the decision to drive negotiations with White as a reward for his form, despite the fact the former Leeds loanee has two and a half years remaining on his contract.

If a new deal is agreed, White would become the latest of Arteta’s major names to extend his stay in north London.

First-team regulars Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have all signed new contracts since October 2022, as have Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Mohamed Elneny.

Sheffield United have launched an investigation into an alleged racist incident in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Bournemouth at Bramall Lane.

United will now work with South Yorkshire Police to identify the culprit and are threatening “the strongest possible action”.

Details of the incident have not yet been released but a statement from the Blades read: “Sheffield United is disappointed to learn of an alleged racist incident in Saturday’s Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth.

“The Club take a zero-tolerance approach to racism and stands firmly against all forms of discrimination.

“An investigation is now underway, in conjunction with South Yorkshire Police, and officials at Sheffield United will continue to liaise with the Premier League and AFC Bournemouth.

“Sheffield United will take the strongest possible action, which includes a club ban, against any so-called fan found responsible.”

United slumped to their 10th defeat of the season, with a Marcus Tavernier brace sandwiching Justin Kluivert’s goal, before substitute Oli McBurnie replied for the hosts late on.

Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80.

As a player he made more than 500 appearances for Chelsea, Tottenham, QPR and Crystal Palace but made his real mark as a coach, also managing Palace and QPR.

“We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” read a family statement.

“We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”

In Spain Venables won the domestic title in 1984-85 and the FA Cup with Spurs in 1991 but it was his spell as England boss, guiding the team to the semi-final of Euro 96 on home soil after a brilliantly-memorable 4-1 win over the Netherlands only to lose on penalties to Germany.

League Managers’ Association chief executive Richard Bevan said: “The LMA is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of LMA member and former LMA president Terry Venables.

“Our thoughts are very much with Yvette and all of Terry’s family at this time.”

Tottenham will hold a minute’s applause and players will wear black armbands for Sunday’s fixture at home to Aston Villa.

“We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Terry Venables, our former player, manager and chief executive, who passed away on Saturday,” said a club statement.

“We extend our sincere condolences at this sad time to Terry’s wife, Yvette, his close family and friends.”

Gary Lineker, whom Venables signed for Barcelona from Everton in 1986 and then brought to Tottenham in 1989 after he took the job at White Hart Lane, paid his own tribute.

“Devastated to hear that Terry Venables has died. The best, most innovative coach that I had the privilege and pleasure of playing for,” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“He was much more, though, than just a great manager, he was vibrant, he was charming, he was witty, he was a friend.

“He’ll be hugely missed. Sending love and condolences to Yvette and the family. RIP Terry.”

Former England, Barcelona and Tottenham manager Terry Venables has died at the age of 80.

As a player he made more than 500 appearances for Chelsea, Tottenham, QPR and Crystal Palace but made his real mark as a coach, also managing Palace and QPR.

“We are totally devastated by the loss of a wonderful husband and father who passed away peacefully yesterday after a long illness,” read a family statement.

“We would ask that privacy be given at this incredibly sad time to allow us to mourn the loss of this lovely man who we were so lucky to have had in our lives.”