AC MILAN STRIKER Antonio Cassano is in hospital after suffering a stroke, according to Italian news agency Ansa.
The striker has been having tests on his brain and heart over the past few days.
His Milan teammates have vowed to “play for him” in his absence, as they take on BATE Borisov in the Champions League tonight.
Coach Massimiliano Allegri expressed sympathy for the player, saying:
“Quite apart from the sporting element, what counts most is the human aspect and we’re all feeling sad.“Antonio was doing well and he was in good shape and I hope he’ll be back as soon as possible.”
In 2006, Luton defender Sol Davis suffered a stroke, but was back playing again within two months.
Numerous other footballers have also suffered from heart defects, with ex-Man City star Marc-Vivien Foé dying suddenly during an international fixture in 2003.