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Strinic cleared for training return after heart problem

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Ivan Strinic can return to training on Monday following three months on the sidelines with a heart issue, AC Milan announced.

The defender played 81 minutes of Croatia's World Cup final defeat to France on July 15, but hasn't appeared in a competitive match since "the beginnings of hypertrophy in the cardiac muscle" - or "athlete's heart" - was uncovered during routine medical tests in August.

Strinic, 31, was confirmed as a Milan player five days prior to Croatia's World Cup semifinal victory over England, having previously represented Napoli and Sampdoria in Serie A. He moved to Italy following spells in his homeland, France, and Ukraine.

The 49-time Croatian international, who is tied down to a three-year contract with Gennaro Gattuso's side, will challenge fellow summer signing Diego Laxalt and, chiefly, Ricardo Rodriguez for minutes at left-back.

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