AS Roma defender Leandro Castan is nearing a return to first team action after undergoing brain surgery in December.

The 28-year-old Brazilian center-back made his last appearance for Roma on September 13th against Empoli. Castan was substituted at halftime of that match after suffering from dizziness.

The player underwent medical tests in the days following the contest, which revealed a congenital vascular alteration in his brain, a condition more commonly known as a ‘cavernoma’.

Castan had neurosurgery at the beginning of December in order to definitively cure the problem and has been rehabilitating ever since.

In February, the defender took to his Instagram account to give an update on his recovery while expressing how much he missed playing football.

“How I miss playing football. I suffer every Saturday and Sunday,” Castan said.

“Football is my life, football is my love. I thank God everyday for giving me this opportunity. I will come back stronger than before.”

Fast forward to today and Castan – who began training with the first-team this week – could be given the “all clear” by doctors to resume his playing career for AS Roma on Monday.

Castan has admitted this ordeal has been the greatest struggle of his life.

“I am fighting against my body,” the Roma defender said. “But I have my teammates, friends, family and fans who have been right there with me.

“I will win this challenge.”

If everything goes as expected, Castan could return for Roma when they take on Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on April 4.