Roma: Brain surgery for Leandro Castan

The defender has been out of action since the 1-0 win at Empoli on September 13, which saw him substituted at half-time.

Details on what was actually afflicting him have been scarce and led to speculation he had cancer.

This evening Roma released a statement finally outlining why he was suffering from severe dizzy spells after the Empoli game.

An MRI scan revealed a “congenital vascular alteration in his brain, a condition more commonly known as a cavernoma.

“Inside the cavernoma, the tests revealed a small edema and, as a consequence, temporary swelling. This was the cause of the symptoms reported by the player, which subsided of their own accord within a few days.

“Although the cavernoma does not represent a threat to the player’s life – indeed, he is currently in peak physical condition – he is at risk of reoccurrences.

“Therefore, the medical staff, club and player have agreed that he will undergo neurosurgery at the beginning of December in order to definitively cure the problem. This will allow him to resume regular competitive sporting activity.”

It is therefore likely the Brazil international will not be back in action until well into 2015.

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