Rome – AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano suffered a stroke in the mystery illness that has seen him confined to hospital for two days, Italian news agency Ansa reported Monday.
Milan have refused to comment on the claim but Ansa say they have the information upon good authority.
They say Cassano suffered an ischaemic stroke, which happens when blood supply to part of the brain is decreased, leading to dysfunction of the brain tissue in that area.
“We don't comment on claims that haven't come either from the club or the Policlino (hospital) while waiting for further tests and exams which will be able to establish an effective diagnosis,” said Milan.
Cassano was taken ill on Milan's return from Rome in the early hours of Sunday morning, following a 3-2 win over Roma, and the 29-year-old was admitted to the Policlino hospital in Milan.
He was suffering from difficulties in his speech and movement.
In hospital Cassano was transferred to the neurological department where he was to undergo tests on his heart and brain.
Milan had earlier claimed the forward was improving.
Speaking on Monday before the rest of the squad left for Belarus, where they will play BATE Borisov in a Champions League match on Tuesday, coach Massimiliano Allegri moved to ease fears.
“Antonio is doing very well (on the pitch) and also on Saturday in Rome he had a great 20 minutes (after coming on as a substitute),” said Allegri.
“But the important thing right now is that he returns and is healed of the most dangerous thing.
“We hope to have him back as soon as possible, maybe even after the international break (which begins next week).
“I spoke with him yesterday and from his messages he seemed calm and recovering.
“The whole team is in shock and very disappointed for what has happened.”
Cassano is the second Milan player to come down with an unexpected problem following Gennaro Gattuso, who has developped an eye problem and been left with an accentuated squint.
Milan refused to discuss what exactly Cassano's problem is but chief executive Adriano Galliani expects him to be back soon.
“We hope everything will be fine but he's in good spirits and seemed calm to me,” said Galliani.
“It's something completely unexpected, it's a bit similar to Gattuso's, it's never happened in life.
“But Cassano is strong, just as is Rino (Gattuso), everything will be fine.” – Sapa-AFP