Cassano close to return

AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has moved a step closer to resuming his playing career following medical tests.

Milan striker set to receive clearance for comeback

AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has moved a step closer to resuming his playing career following medical tests. Cassano has not played since the end of October when he fell ill after Milan's 3-2 home win over Roma and had to undergo surgery to repair a heart defect. He has been training with his team-mates recently but requires a licence to start playing again and had a positive meeting with a panel of experts on Monday. A 10-man medical commission requested by the Serie A club to the Italian Sports Medicine Federation analysed Cassano's condition in Milan, and the former Bari player now just needs final clearance before he can return to the pitch. A statement from Milan read: "The Italian Sports Medicine Federation have today expressed a favourable opinion regarding Antonio Cassano's health. "Milan's Medical Sports Institute and Milan's chief medical officer Rodolfo Tavana will now have the final decision on whether the player can return to play."