BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Barcelona says defender Eric Abidal is undergoing his scheduled liver transplant.
Sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta told Canal Plus TV that Abidal was in a hospital undergoing surgery as the three-time defending champions beat Getafe 4-0 in the Spanish league.
Zubizarreta did not have an update on Abidal’s condition, saying “we know he’s in good hands.” The Camp Nou spectators paid tribute to the French defender after 22 minutes of the game, matching the number on his jersey. Abidal has reportedly received the liver from his cousin.
The 32-year-old Abidal underwent liver surgery in March 2011 to remove a tumor and returned for the latter part of the 2010-11 season. He played this season until last month, before the club said a transplant was necessary.
