By Andrew Warshaw
April 13 – Barcelona’s international French defender Éric Abidal, who had a lengthy liver transplant on Tuesday (April 10), is recovering well from the operation according to the club.
Abidal (pictured), 32, underwent nine hours of surgery following Barça’s 4-0 league win over Getafe during which the whole stadium chanted the fullback’s name in similar vein to the outpouring of emotion towards Bolton’s Fabrice Muamba after the midfielder’s sudden cardiac arrest last month.
“Today could be a great one all round, because we know that Abidal and his cousin [Gerard, the donor] are recovering well after the operation,” Barça President Sandro Rosell said.
Abidal had surgery to remove a tumour from his liver just over a year ago before making a triumphant and emotional return to help Barcelona lift the Champions League trophy at Wembley a mere two months later.
Last month, Barça announced that he would need a transplant but did not state how long he would be out of action.
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