Antonio Cassano suffers a hole in his heart

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says his team will be playing for Antonio Cassano against BATE Borisov in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The striker, 29, has spent the last two days in hospital after being taken ill following the 3-2 win over Roma.

Reports from Italian news agency Ansa claimed he had suffered a stroke.

Allegri said: "We'll be playing for Antonio. Quite apart from the sporting element, what counts most is the human aspect and we're all feeling sad."

Cassano had complained of finding it difficult to speak or move when the team arrived back in Milan in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He has since been undergoing tests on his heart and brain in hospital.

Allegri added: "Antonio was doing well and he was in good shape and I hope he'll be back as soon as possible.

"The doctors are working on it, let's hope it all goes well.

"I can't diagnose him but he sounds fine. It was completely unexpected and has nothing to do with football. Let's leave it to the doctors and I think everything will be fine."

Luton defender Sol Davis had a stroke in 2006 but was able to return to the first team two months later.

Milan are top of Champions League Group H after drawing with Barcelona and beating BATE Borisov and Viktoria Plzen so far.

source:bbc

It's scary how someone fit like a Footballer can have a stroke, what chance is there for regular Joes like us.

Hope Cassano a speedy recovery and see him back on the pitch, very talented player.

It wasn't a stroke thankfully but he did need minor heart surgery