Former Chelsea youngster and AFC Wimbledon defender Sam Hutchinson has undergone heart surgery after suffering health complications following a League Two match
09:57, 13 May 2025
Aaron Pressley (33 Barrow) and Sam Hutchinson (41 AFC Wimbledon) battle for the ball during the Sky Bet League 2 match between AFC Wimbledon and Barrow at Plough Lane in Wimbledon, England, on March 22, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Hodgson | MI News) (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Sam Hutchinson underwent heart surgery(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
AFC Wimbledon defender Sam Hutchinson has undergone heart surgery after a major health scare during a League Two match.
Hutchinson, 35, who began his career with Chelsea, scored the winning goal against Grimsby on May 3, securing the Dons' spot in the League Two play-offs.
However, the club have since confirmed that he was hospitalised following the game due to heart complications, and subsequently underwent surgery.
In a statement, the EFL club said: "The club can confirm that Sam Hutchinson suffered heart complications following the win at Grimsby Town earlier this month.
"Sam was taken to hospital on the journey back where he was treated and assessed. 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.
Sam Hutchinson, Chelsea. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Sam Hutchinson came through at Chelsea(Image: Darren Walsh, Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Article continues below
"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 including scoring the winning goal to clinch our play-off place against Grimsby Town.
"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."
Hutchinson is a product of the Chelsea academy and made his first-team debut under the management of Jose Mourinho in 2007. However, he was to retire prematurely in 2010 due to persistent knee injuries, only to make a comeback after significant improvements.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here
In 2014, Hutchinson left Chelsea and signed for Sheffield Wednesday, where he made 197 appearances over two stints at Hillsborough. After a two-season spell with Reading, he joined the Dons at the start of the 24/25 season, bolstering their push for a return to the fourth tier.
Article continues below
Wimbledon's bid for a League One return remains alive following their victory over Notts County in the first leg of their play-off semi-final. They host the second leg at Plough Lane this Saturday with a place at Wembley on the line.