Leandro Castan to undergo neurosurgery for congenital vascular alteration in the brain

Terrible news emerged from Italy on Thursday as Roma confirmed that defender Leandro Castan will undergo neurosurgery in December to resolve a congenital vascular alteration in the brain.

Castan last took the pitch during Roma's 1-0 win over Empoli on Sept. 13, but was substituted at the interval. Since then, a great deal of speculation had surrounded the Brazilian's absence as it was clear something wasn't right.

An MRI revealed the malformation, which is more commonly known as cavernoma.

"Inside the cavernoma, the tests revealed a small edema and, as a consequence, temporary swelling," Roma announced, as translated by Football Italia. "This was the cause of the symptoms reported by the player, which subsided on their own accord within a few days. 

"Although the cavernoma does represent a threat to the player's life - indeed, he is currently in peak physical condition - he is at risk of reoccurrences.

"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. This will allow him to resume regular competitive sporting activity."