Ex-Chelsea starlet Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted – after doctors told the 22-year-old he could have a heart attack at any time.
The Blues signed the Dutch defender from Barcelona in 2020, and he played four times for their Under-23 side after a knee operation.
Xavier Mbuyamba has had a defibrillator fitted after doctors warned he could have had a heart attackGetty
Mbuyamba left Chelsea in 2022 for Dutch side VolendamPA
Mbuyamba joined Volendam in 2022, and shone as the newly-promoted minnows survived in Holland’s Eredivisie.
He has however made just five appearances this season, and has not figured since January.
The centre-back has now undergone surgery after tests found he had an irregular heartbeat.
Manchester United star Christian Eriksen was fitted with a defibrillator after collapsing on the pitch during a Denmark game in 2021.
Mbuyamba revealed: “After a long spell of silence I can now say why I have been away.
“During my annual check-up I found out that I had a disturbed heart rhythm. This came as a big surprise, as I hadn’t noticed any change in my health.
“After this discovery I had a string of extensive medical tests. This is why I have played so seldom this season.
“The doctors, FC Volendam and I decided that I would have a S-ICD defibrillator implanted as primary prevention.
“The first stage of my rest and recovery is now over, and I have begun training on my own.
“I’ll work on making my return for Volendam, and rest assured I’ll be back in the team this season.
“How did I feel? Of course I had concerns at first about my health.
“But I always felt this would not pose a problem or hinder my football career. I am a winner, and a fighter!”
Mbuyamba first made his name for his hometown club MVV Maastricht’s youth side, attracting attention from Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
His initial move to Stamford Bridge broke down over Chelsea’s then transfer ban, and he joined Barcelona before signing a three-year Blues deal in 2020.
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