Abidal recovering well after liver transplant operation

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is recovering well after undergoing a liver transplant on Tuesday, according to club president Sandro Rosell.

There has been no official statement from Barcelona on the operation, at the request of Abidal’s family, but Rosell gave a brief update on the situation.

“Both Abidal and his cousin [Gerard, who donated the liver] are progressing well,” Rosell was quoted as saying on his club’s official website. “We cannot give any more information due to the express wishes of the family.”

The 32-year-old Frenchman’s transplant operation finished late on Tuesday night, at a similar time to the conclusion of Barca’s Primera Division match with Getafe at the Nou Camp.

During the 4-0 win, the Barca fans paid their own tribute to Abidal, and coach Pep Guardiola and his players did likewise following the final whistle.

Guardiola said in his post-match press conference: “We want to dedicate this win to Abidal and to his cousin Gerard. It’s a special day because we knew that today he underwent his operation. We’ve been told that Abidal’s operation has finished, which has been long and we need to be patient. Throughout the week we will know more. The next few days will be key to see how things are going. We have a lot of faith in someone as strong as him.’’

Spain international Andres Iniesta was among numerous Barca players who echoed the thoughts of their coach, adding: “I’m happy to dedicate this win to Abi. This is for you!”

Barca announced last month that Abidal needed to undergo a liver transplant – almost exactly a year after the defender had surgery to remove a liver tumour. Following that operation in March 2011, Abidal was out for just seven weeks, returning to the team for the end-of-season run-in with a number of substitute appearances, although his only start was in the Champions League final victory over Manchester United when he was given the honour of lifting the trophy.

Meanwhile, Barca fell four points adrift at the top of La Liga last night after leaders Real Madrid romped to a 4-1 win away to city rivals Atletico.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and set up his side’s fourth as he edged ahead of Lionel Messi at the top of La Liga scoring charts.