Abidal to receive liver transplant

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal will undergo his liver transplant next week, according to a report.

The Catalan club revealed last week that the 32-year-old would have to go under the knife again due to his liver problems, although an exact date has yet to be set according to Sport.

Abidal made a full recovery from surgery in 2011 to remove a tumour in his liver, and returned in time to play the full 90 minutes of the club’s Champions League final victory over Manchester United in May. However, it has now been determined that the defender will require a new liver.

The waiting period for a liver transplant is normally four months, but the left-back will not be put on the waiting list as a childhood friend who matches his blood type will become his donor.

His acquaintance arrived in Barcelona on Sunday and is currently being taken through the appropriate standard protocol to prepare for the operation.