Former England and Tottenham Hotspur defender Gary Mabbutt has been hospitalised in South Africa after suffering a serious accident on the eve of the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.
Mabbutt's Accident and Hospitalisation
Mabbutt, 63, who earned 16 caps for England between 1982 and 1992, is currently in a South African hospital awaiting treatment for a large blood clot in his calf. The news was shared by his close friend and former Tottenham teammate Micky Hazard in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
Hazard wrote: "Guys just to let you all know Gary Mabbutt has had a serious accident in South Africa, he’s currently in hospital awaiting treatment an a big blood clot in his calf. Not allowed to fly until 24th at the earliest to get back to England. Please send him your best wishes to lift his spirits. Best wishes Mabsy you’ve fought bigger battles than this and won."
Career and Health Background
Mabbutt is widely remembered for his distinguished career at Tottenham, where he made over 600 appearances and captained the club to FA Cup glory in 1991. He also represented England at the 1982 World Cup in Spain. Off the pitch, Mabbutt has faced significant health challenges, including living with type 1 diabetes since the age of 17, a condition he has managed throughout his football career and beyond.
The accident occurred just hours before England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, a match that captured the nation's attention. Mabbutt's hospitalisation has prompted an outpouring of support from the football community.
Support and Updates
Fans and former colleagues have taken to social media to send their best wishes to Mabbutt. Hazard's post has been widely shared, with many expressing hope for a speedy recovery. Mirror Sport is following the story closely and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Mabbutt's condition is being monitored, and he is expected to remain in South Africa until at least July 24 before he is cleared to fly back to the UK.
