Sam Hutchinson undergoes heart surgery after suffering health complications in match

Sam Hutchinson has underwent successful heart surgery after suffering a major health scare during a League Two clash. The AFC Wimbledon defender, who started his career with , scored the winning goal against Grimsby on May 3, which secured the Dons' place in the play-offs.

However, the club have now confirmed that he was hospitalised following the game with heart complications, before going under the knife. A statement from the EFL club reads: "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.

"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.

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"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, 35, came through the academy at Chelsea, making his senior debut for the club under in 2007. He was then forced to retire from the game in 2010, before completing a major U-turn after significant improvement on recurring knee injuries.

He left Chelsea in 2014, joining Sheffield Wednesday where he would go on to play 197 matches over two spells at Hillsborough. He then spent two seasons with Reading, before joining the Dons at the start of the 24/25 campaign, as they looked to return to the fourth tier.

And they remain in the hunt for a League One return after beating Notts County in the first leg of their play-off semi final away from home. They will now head back to Plough Lane looking to secure a Wembley berth on Saturday afternoon.

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