Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is to undergo a liver transplant, the club have confirmed.
The 32-year-old France international had a tumor removed from his liver on March 17, 2011, but returned to play the end of the season and showed few lingering effects since then.
A statement on Barcelona’s official website read:
“Here is the official medical communiqué from the Club medical services concerning Eric Abidal: “during the next few weeks, the player will undergo a liver transplant as a result of the progress of his liver disease. A transplant was considered an option from the start of his treatment a year ago. At the express wishes of the player, the Club asks that the maximum respect for the player’s privacy be observed.”
Barcelona did not give any indication of for how long Abidal would be out of action, but at age 32, Barcelona have to consider that his career is now over.