( CNN ) -- Roma defender Leandro Castan underwent successful neurosurgery Wednesday , having previously complained of acute dizziness during an Italian Serie A match in September . Castan reported the problem during halftime of his side 's 1-0 victory against Empoli , and after facing tests earlier this month , he went under the knife to remove the cavernoma -- a cluster of abnormal blood vessels -- in his brain . The three-and-a-half-hour procedure was `` carried out using a surgical microscope and neuronavigator , '' according to an official Roma statement , while the player 's `` neurophysiological activity was constantly monitored . '' The cavernoma , which measured three centimeters , was `` completely removed . '' The statement added : `` Castan has now woken up and is breathing unaided , and has been informed of the operation 's successful outcome . `` He will remain in intensive care for the next 24 hours , after which a prognosis will be formed . '' While Wednesday 's operation should ensure that Castan will be able to play football again , reports suggest that he will not be ready to return to action for up to eight months . The 28-year-old , who arrived at Roma from Corinthians in 2012 , has made just one appearance for the Italian Serie A club this season , having been sidelined since being substituted at halftime against Empoli . Castan has become a key player for Roma since joining , making 36 appearances last term as the club booked their place in Europe 's Champions League .
Roma 's Leandro Castan undergoes successful neurosurgery . The defender originally complained of acute dizziness in a match in September . TL;DR Juventus and Napoli both have players out with injuries this week.