Barca won't replace Abidal
French stopper to still be offered new contract
By Phil Seery. Last Updated: March 17, 2011 12:02pm
Abidal: Suffers liver scare
Sky Bet
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Football Betting
Barcelona insist they will not replace Eric Abidal and plan to proceed with contract negotiations following the news of his liver tumour.
The 31-year-old France international was found to have a tumour in his liver on Tuesday and now faces surgery at the end of the week.
Barca have vowed to continue contract negotiations with Abidal's agent and vice-president Josep Maria Bartomeu says there will be no emergency signing.
"We have decided not to sign anyone to replace Eric Abidal. (Andreu) Fontas will step up to join the first team," he told radio station RAC 1.
"From tomorrow (Friday) we will try for a contract extension for Eric with his agent."
Abidal moved to the Camp Nou from Lyon in the summer of 2007 and has 18 months remaining on his current deal.
Eric Abidal
