Barcelona defender Eric Abidal, who needs a liver transplant, is battling to overcome his second serious health scare in just over a year.
Facing adversity —
Barcelona defender Eric Abidal, who needs a liver transplant, is battling to overcome his second serious health scare in just over a year.
The France international was supported by his clubmates when he had surgery to remove a tumor on his liver in March last year.
Barca's backing —
The France international was supported by his clubmates when he had surgery to remove a tumor on his liver in March last year.
He made a surprisingly quick return to the Spanish side's line-up, and lifted the European Champions League trophy after Barca beat Manchester United in the final on May 28, having played the whole match.
Champion comeback —
He made a surprisingly quick return to the Spanish side's line-up, and lifted the European Champions League trophy after Barca beat Manchester United in the final on May 28, having played the whole match.
The 32-year-old has continued to be a key player for the Catalan club. Here he is surrounded by his teammates after scoring in a win against archrivals Real Madrid in January 2012.
On target —
The 32-year-old has continued to be a key player for the Catalan club. Here he is surrounded by his teammates after scoring in a win against archrivals Real Madrid in January 2012.
AFP/Getty Images
Abidal moved to the Camp Nou in 2007, having previously played for French champions Lyon, Lille and Monaco in his homeland. In January he signed a one-year contract extension until mid-2013.
Spanish switch —
Abidal moved to the Camp Nou in 2007, having previously played for French champions Lyon, Lille and Monaco in his homeland. In January he signed a one-year contract extension until mid-2013.