Barca star Abidal back in hospital

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been admitted to hospital to undergo medical examinations following his liver transplant.

The 33-year-old received a transplant in April, with his cousin Gerard providing the donation, as a result of unresolved issues that emerged from previous surgery to remove a tumour in March 2011.

A statement on Barca’s official website read: “Eric Abidal will spend between three to four days at Barcelona’s Hospital Clinic for examinations of the development of the transplant that he underwent last April.

“By express wish of the player, the club is asking for the utmost respect for his privacy and confidentiality.”

Abidal returned to full training in October but is yet to make his return to the Barcelona first team, despite being given the all-clear to play in December.