Barcelona have announced that defender Eric Abidal will undergo a liver transplant in the coming weeks. The 32 year old France international underwent surgery to remove a tumour on his liver in March last year but returned to the first team and had the honour of lifting the Champions League trophy at Wembley in May.
A club statement read: "Given the development of his medical condition, Abidal will undergo a liver transplant in the following weeks.
"The transplant is an option that has been considered since the beginning of his treatment, one year ago.
"At the express wish of the player, the club request the utmost respect for the right to privacy and confidentiality."
Abidal has started 32 games in all competitions for Barcelona this season.
