Antonio Cassano Out Until June Following Heart Surgery

When Antonio Cassano underwent heart surgery in November, it was thought that he could potentially return to action after three months, giving him plenty of time to get back into AC Milan's first team and get himself onto Italy's Euro 2012 roster. Now, it appears that Milan will be without him for the rest of the season and that he will not be heading to the European Championships this summer. Cassano is set to miss another six months, and is unlikely to return to full training before June.

AC Milan have played well since Cassano became ill in late October, but hasn't found a direct replacement for him in their team, leading to their pursuit of Carlos Tevez. Italy will also struggle to replace Cassano, and Cesare Prandelli might have to adjust his tactics. Antonio Di Natale is expected to play in the February friendly against the United States and could force his way into Cassano's place.