Gary Mabbutt hospitalised in South Africa with serious blood clot after accident

Gary Mabbutt, the former England and Tottenham Hotspur defender, has been hospitalised in South Africa after suffering a serious accident that has left him with a significant blood clot in his calf.

The news was shared by Mabbutt’s close friend and former Spurs midfielder Micky Hazard in a Facebook post. “Guys just to let you all know Gary Mabbutt has had a serious accident in South Africa, he’s currently in hospital awaiting treatment on a big blood clot in his calf,” Hazard wrote.

Hazard confirmed that Mabbutt is not permitted to fly until at least the 24th before he can return to England, adding: “Please send him your best wishes to lift his spirits. Best wishes Mabsy — you’ve fought bigger battles than this and won.”

The message is a pointed reference to Mabbutt’s well-documented history of resilience. The 62-year-old played the entirety of his professional career, including 16 years at Tottenham, while managing Type 1 diabetes — a condition that required him to monitor his insulin levels around matches and training. He earned 16 caps for England and captained Spurs to FA Cup glory in 1991.

No further details about the nature of the accident have been released at this stage. The full extent of his condition and a timeline for his return to England remain unclear beyond the earliest possible travel date of the 24th.