Abidal happy to be back at training

Eric Abidal

Dubai – FC Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says he is happy to be training again with the club after having a liver transplant eight months ago, but said he has no timeline for his return to competition.

The French international told a Dubai football conference that “it has been a tough path” since first having a liver tumor removed in March last year and then needing a full transplant.

Abidal said he “was feeling much better” but acknowledged it would be “difficult” to attain the same fitness as before.

The 33-year-old defender said he “will try to do my best to help the team” but was ready to step aside in favour of “a younger player” if he cannot compete.

Abidal joined Barça from French club Olympique Lyonnais in 2007 and helped the club win two European Champions League titles and three Spanish La Liga crowns.

- Sapa-AP