Eric Abidal to have liver transplant

Barcelona have confirmed that defender Eric Abidal will undergo a liver transplant in the coming weeks.

The 32-year-old, who has been with the Spanish giants since 2007, was diagnosed with a liver tumour a year ago today and needed surgery to remove the cancerous cell.

The Spanish Cup winners have confirmed that the forthcoming operation has been an option for the defender for some time, which Abidal has decided to go ahead with.

The Frenchman returned to action for manager Pep Guardiola last year and competed in the full 90 minutes of Barcelona's 3-1 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League final in May.