Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is to undergo surgery on Friday after he was found to have a liver tumour.
The Spanish side released the news about the 31-year-old France international on their official Twitter feed on Tuesday evening.
The club stated: “A liver tumour has been detected in the player Eric Abidal and he will be treated surgically next Friday.
“Abidal will be operated on by Dr Josep Fuster Obregon. Per the express wish of the player, we call for the utmost respect for the right to privacy.”
Barcelona confirmed in a short statement on their website that Abidal will be operated upon at the Barna Clinic Grup Hospital Clinic, in the city.
Capped 52 times by France, Abidal made his international debut in 2004 and has played at two World Cups as well as the 2008 European Championship.
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