BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona says defender Eric Abidal’s surgery to remove a liver tumor has been moved forward one day to Thursday.
The Spanish club says in a statement the operation at its medical clinic was moved forward after a rescheduling of appointments made it possible.
The 31-year-old Abidal was diagnosed with the tumor on Tuesday. Barcelona gave no indication on how long the France international will be sidelined.
Abidal joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2007 and has helped the defending Spanish league champions win eight major trophies, including consecutive league titles and the 2009 Champions League.
Abidal has been a key player in Barcelona’s defense this season, making 33 appearances and scoring his first goal for the club.
