Ex-Chelsea defender Sam Hutchinson undergoes heart surgery after suffering health complications in League Two clash
AFC Wimbledon star Sam Hutchinson had heart surgery after suffering complications following a League Two clash against Grimsby.
The ex-Chelsea man was taken to hospital after scoring the goal that clinched the Wombles‘ place in the play-offs on May 3.
The 35-year-old defensive midfielder played the full 90 minutes of AFC Wimbledon‘s 1-0 win at fellow play-off chasers Grimsby.
And his close range effort in the 52nd minute secured fifth in the table and a first round promotion play-off clash with Notts County.
But Hutchinson was forced to miss the Dons’ first leg 1-0 win on Saturday at Meadow Lane after having heart surgery in London.
The former Cobham star complained of chest problems in his post-match interview at Blundell Park.
He said: “To be fair, I felt like rubbish during the game for some reason. I had a really tight chest.
“I wanted to come off in the first six minutes but I had to battle on like an old warhorse.”
Hutchinson was taken to hospital on the journey back where he was treated and assessed in Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham.
A club statement read: “Sam then had a successful procedure at the end of last week in London and he now has a clear return to play plan in place.
“Everyone at Wimbledon extends their best wishes to Sam who is now recovering at home with his family.
“Hutchinson has played a key part of the team’s success this season.
“Whilst he is recovering, Sam continues to have an impact on the squad and we are hopeful we can end the season positively for Sam.
“The club would like to place on record their sincere thanks for the support and care provided at Queens Medical Centre and City Hospital in Nottingham, as well as Cleveland Hospital in London.”
After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Hutchinson made just five appearances for the first team between 2007 and 2014.
He was loaned out to Nottingham Forest and Vitesse Arnhem during that time before permanently joining Sheffield Wednesday.
Hutchinson has had a turbulent career that saw him forced to retire in 2010 after severe knee problems troubled his formative years.
Playing as a defender for Chelsea back then, Hutchinson called time on his career at just 21 years old.
But some 18-months later the former England youth prospect returned to Stamford Bridge following extensive rehab.
After eight years at Wednesday, Hutchinson joined Reading where he spent the last two seasons.