Rumours doing the rounds that AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano suffered a stroke on Saturday after Milan’s 3-2 win over AS Roma in Rome have been rubbished by the club.
According to Italian news agency Ansa a medical examination carried out on the 29 year old diagnosed him as having had a stroke although the extent of the damage has not been identified.
This news comes hot on the heels of Milan’s Champions League fixture against BATE Borisov tonight. Following these health fears, Cassano is expected to miss the game and though his presence on the pitch will be missed, Milan should still walk away with all the 3 points.
A statement from Milan’s website read:
“AC Milan communicates that the information in circulation containing hypothetical diagnosis on the health of Antonio Cassano can not be considered verified as not ascertained from medical sources such as medical staff of AC Milan’s Policlinico of Milan or doctors who are treating the player. AC Milan also underlines Cassano is always getting better and he will have further tests in the coming days.”
Fellow team mate Zambrotta who has been in touch with Cassano also spoke out on the matter saying that the striker seemed fine.
“We know that the situation in under control,” he is quoted as saying on Milan’s official website. “That’s what we know thanks to SMS and a few telephone calls.
“Personally, I sent him a message and he seems fine. Our thoughts are with Antonio not only as a player but also as the man we know, as a teammate.”
Milan are joint leaders of Group H with defending champions Barcelona although they sit on top of the group because of their superior head to head record.
A win for both clubs tonight we will see them qualify through to the knockout stages although a draw would also be fine. Despite this news, Allegri is expected to go through with his 4-3-3 formation with Prince, Ibrahimovic and Robinho partnering in attack.
More good news is that Pato, and Seedorf have been declared fit and should come through at some point in the game. Along with Cassano, other players who will not be availalble for the match include Philippe Mexes, Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso. That said, i do not see BATE coming away with a win is spite of their home advantage.
My prediction
BATE Borisov 0 Milan 3
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