Wimbledon defender Hutchinson has heart surgery

Sam Hutchinson moved to the Dons as a free agent in December

AFC Wimbledon defender Sam Hutchinson has undergone heart surgery after being taken ill following a game earlier this month.

The 35-year-old former Chelsea and Sheffield Wednesday player suffered what the club describes as "heart complications" after the 1-0 win at Grimsby Town on 3 May - where he scored the only goal.

In a statement the Dons say he "had a successful procedure at the end of last week in London and he now has a clear return to play plan in place."

Hutchinson joined the club in December after leaving Reading and made 18 appearances as Wimbledon finished fifth and reached the League Two play-offs.

They won the first leg of their play-off semi-final 1-0 at Notts County and host the return leg this Saturday, 17 May.

"Everyone at Wimbledon extends their best wishes to Sam who is now recovering at home with his family," the statement added.

"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."