Abidal could play on

TRANSPLANT ... Eric Abidal has been recovering from his operation

BARCELONA star Eric Abidal has been told he could play again after his liver transplant.

Surgeon Juan Carlos Garcia-Valdecasas who carried out the operation on Abidal made the claim today.

The France defender, 32, had a tumour removed from his liver last year.

But after returning to play again, he was forced to undergo a transplant on April 10 with part of an organ donated by his cousin.

Despite rumours Abidal could retire, Doctor Garcia-Valdecasas said: "It's up to him. I wouldn't stop him. Time will tell.

"If Eric responds well, there is no reason why he shouldn't. The liver is an organ that regenerates in three months.

"Abidal has to recover little by little, but between three and six months, or up to a year after the intervention, the patient is able to have a normal life.

"He is always in high spirits. He is a very positive character, it is tremendous. He has never complained about anything."

Barcelona players draped a shirt with his name on it over the trophy when they celebrated winning the King's Cup final against Athletic Bilbao last Friday.

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