Abidal targets comeback

Eric Abidal: Has ambitions of playing for Barcelona again before the end of the year

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is hopeful of returning to action before the end of the year.

The France international has been out since undergoing a liver transplant in April, having also undergone treatment for a tumour last year.

He recovered from that original illness just before the end of the 2010-11 season and had recovered sufficiently to lift the UEFA Champions League Trophy that May.

This latest setback has sidelined the 32-year-old since February but Abidal is now targeting a December comeback.

He told the club's official website: "I have started working in the gym and I feel fine. I will keep progressing and see if I can play before December.

"I'm better than three months ago. I am following the guidelines that the doctors have given me and the truth is I feel fine.

"I travel and enjoy being around the team and that environment."

Barca have signed Spain international Jordi Alba to operate in Abidal's usual left-back position, but the Frenchman's versatility and experience could yet prove an asset to the Catalan club.

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