Guardiola salutes returning Abidal
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola on Monday saluted French defender Eric Abidal as he returned to full training ahead of his side's Champions League semi final second leg against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp barely six weeks on from surgery on a liver tumour.
Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola on Monday saluted French defender Eric Abidal as he returned to full training ahead of his side's Champions League semi final second leg against Real Madrid at the Nou Camp barely six weeks on from surgery on a liver tumour.
"This is the news of the day," exclaimed a delighted Guardiola.
"'Abi' can't play 90 minutes, he has lost weight. But he is in perfect health and he'll be able to help us," Guardiola told reporters.
"His teammates are happy as 'Abi' is back and the people who come to the stadium will see him on the bench - or may be even in the warm-up."
Abidal had the operation on March 17 but looked in fine shape as he trained with his teammates.
His return is a boon, particularly when Liga champions-elect Barca, who lead 2-0 from the first leg, also have fellow defenders Maxwell and Adriano on the sidelines.