Cassano set for heart surgery

AC Milan say forward Antonio Cassano could return to action in ‘a few months’ despite confirmation he is set to undergo heart surgery.

Cassano became ill during the flight back from Saturday’s 3-2 Serie A win over Roma and was rushed to hospital after experiencing problems with his vision, movement and speech.

It was initially unclear what the mystery illness was, but Milan revealed on Wednesday that the 29-year-old suffered an ischaemic stroke.

“Having consulted with the Policlinico (hospital) in Milan, AC Milan can confirm that Antonio Cassano suffered from a cerebral problem related to an ischaemic stroke,” a Milan statement read.

“The instrumental and neurological examinations needed 72 hours to be developed and demonstrated a small problem in the cerebral area which has not caused lasting damage.”

“The cause has been identified as a hole between the (left and right) atriums (in the heart) which could only be detected by sophisticated equipment.”

Milan also confirmed that the Italian international will undergo minor heart surgery and will be out of action for several months.

“Therapy should result in a rapid recovery and improvement in his clinical condition, which is good.”

“The footballer will undergo in the coming days a small heart operation (to close the hole) and the recovery period before returning to sporting activity will be several months.”