Abidal recovery going well

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is recovering well following surgery to remove a liver tumor.

Abidal underwent the operation in Spain last Thursday and it is hoped that he will leave hospital later this week.

The 31-year-old is highly unlikely to return to playing until next season, but Barca's sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is pleased to see he is not suffering.

"He is fine, in good shape and in high spirits," Zubizarreta told Mundo Deportivo after visiting Abidal at the hospital.

"I passed on all the signs of affection that many clubs have sent him."