Roma's Leandro Castán to undergo brain surgery

UEFA Champions League contenders AS Roma have announced that centre-back Leandro Castán will undergo neurosurgery next month to resolve "a congenital vascular alteration in his brain".

The 28-year-old Brazilian defender has not played since the 1-0 win at Empoli FC on 13 September, when he was replaced at half-time in his only appearance this term after complaining of acute dizziness. Medical tests later confirmed a cavernoma – a cluster of abnormal blood vessels that puts pressure on the brain.

"Inside the cavernoma, the tests revealed a small edema and, as a consequence, temporary swelling," Roma explained in a statement today. "This was the cause of the symptoms reported by the player. 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 recurrences.

"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," Roma added. "This will allow his to resume regular competitive sporting activity."

Capped twice by Brazil, Leandro Castán joined Roma in 2012 and established himself as one of the best defenders in Serie A during his first two campaigns in Italy, when he played 30 and 36 games with the Giallorossi respectively.