Abidal eyes year–end return after transplant

Published on 06/08/2012 03:00

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is hopeful of a return to action before the end of the year.

The 61-cap France international has been out of action since undergoing a liver transplant in April, having had treatment on a tumour last year. He recovered from the original treatment before the end of the 2010-11 season and lifted the Champions League Trophy after Barca’s victory over Manchester United, and was cleared to do so again by his doctors.

He told the club’s website: “I have started working in the gym and I feel fine. I will keep progressing and see if I can play before December. I’m better than three months ago. I am following the guidelines that the doctors have given me and the truth is I feel fine.”