AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has heart surgery

Cassano has won 28 caps for Italy since his debut in 2003

AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano has had minor heart surgery and is expected to be able to play again in a few months, the Italian club has said.

The striker, 29, has been in hospital since being taken ill on the team's plane following Milan's 3-2 win over Roma in Serie A on Saturday.

The club said the procedure to close a small opening in the player's heart was carried out by Doctor Mario Carminati.

Milan physician Rodolfo Tavana was also present.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri said his team were "playing for Cassano" in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Italian giants drew 1-1 with BATE Borisov in Belarussia and lie second to Barcelona in Group H.

Before the game, Allegri said: "We will be playing for Antonio. Quite apart from the sporting element, what counts most is the human aspect and we're all feeling sad.

"Antonio was doing well and he was in good shape and I hope he'll be back as soon as possible.

"I can't diagnose him but he sounds fine. It was completely unexpected and has nothing to do with football. Let's leave it to the doctors and I think everything will be fine."

Cassano had reportedly developed problems with vision, speech and movement on the plane and had tests on his heart and brain in hospital.