Benzema, Zidane praying for Abidal

Karim Benzema has wished international team-mate Eric Abidal a speedy recovery from his scheduled liver transplant.

According to RMC, Abidal has already been ruled out of France’s Euro 2012 campaign.

There are doubts over whether the Barcelona fullback will be able to return to competitive football after the procedure.

Abidal underwent treatment to remove a liver tumour last season, recovering in time to start in Barca’s 3-1 Champions League final victory over Manchester United.

Real Madrid striker Benzema is hoping for the best for a player and a person he holds in the highest esteem.

“I hope this is not very, very serious,” Benzema told L’Equipe.

“He’s like a brother to me.”

“And I do not need to talk about what Eric Abidal is like on the field. He is a truly great player. In his position he is one of the best in the world. I hope he can soon return to football.”

Zinedine Zidane, a former international colleague of Abidal’s, believes the 32-year-old will return to action stronger than ever.

“I know him very well,” Zidane is quoted as saying by RMC.

“I played a lot with him.”

“It’s always a tough fight but I know he’ll come through it. I just want to tell him to have courage. It is the most important thing for him and his family.”