Abidal making progress after transplant

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is ‘recovering well’ after his liver transplant, according to the club’s president Sandro Rosell.

The France international reportedly left the operating room at the Barna Clinic at midnight on Tuesday, after approximately nine hours on the surgery table.

Barcelona have yet to make any official statement on the success of the procedure but Rosell, in a brief update on the matter, has revealed that the initial signs are good.

“Today could be a great one all round, because we know that Abidal and his cousin (Gerard, the donor) are recovering well after the operation,” the Barca supremo told reporters.

“I can’t say anything more than this because the family have specifically asked us not to say any more.”

Coach Pep Guardiola, meanwhile, was preaching caution when he spoke to the press after the club’s 4-0 thrashing of Getafe on Tuesday, during which the fans chanted Abidal’s name during the 22nd minute in a reference to his shirt number.

“Before coming here (to press area) I’ve been told that the operation has been finished, and we’ll have to wait 48 hours to see his evolution,” the 41-year-old said.

“We have to be prudent. During the week we’ll know more. The next days will be crucial to see how it goes. We’ve got plenty of faith in such a strong man.”

The 32-year-old Abidal had a liver on his tumour removed last March and made a rapid recovery from the operation, returning in time to play his part in the club’s title run-in and their Champions League success.