MADRID: Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been cleared to return to first-team action, 10 months after undergoing a liver transplant, his club said on Thursday.
“After training this morning Eric Abidal has received the good news that he has now been given the all-clear and will therefore be available for the team to take part for the rest of the season,” said a statement on the club’s website.
Abidal first had a tumor removed from his liver in March 2011 but returned to playing less than two months later and lifted the Champions League trophy as Barca won the competition for a fourth time in May of that year.
The Frenchman has though not played for Barca since February last year, two months before he had the full transplant. However, the club insist he is prepared for a return to competitive action after a gruelling recuperation process.
“Abidal has followed a long recuperation process. At the beginning of October the number 22, accompanied by club physio Emili Ricart, spent a number of days in Vall d’Aran where he followed a specific training plan,” the statement continued.
“Two months later, on December 19, the player began to work with the group.” Midfielder Xavi said he was delighted to see Abidal back and highlighted him as an example to the rest of his teammates.
“The return of Abidal is the best news of the day and of the year. Watching him train is an example in sport and in life,” he said.
Transplant patient Abidal cleared to play
