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On Thursday, Eric Abidal was operated on in Barcelona hospital clinics and is feeling well and could be discharged from the hospital in just a week.
The joyful news about the player's health has lifted the spirits of Catalonia team leaders, players, and, of course, fans. However, the return of the Frenchman to the field will have to wait.
It is expected that Abidal will return to the field in August, when the new Spanish championship season begins. Medical professionals will monitor the footballer's rehabilitation process and conduct additional tests.
Journalists from the "Sport.es" newspaper, where the draw for the UEFA Champions League was taking place, caught sports director Andoni Zubizarreta talking to Real Madrid legend Emilio Butragueno. According to information, Zubizarreta hinted that Abidal's return is planned for the end of summer.
Cautious medical predictions were also confirmed by Barcelona coach Josep Guardiola.
Shirts with number 22 being wiped in stores
In the official Barcelona store near the Camp Nou stadium, shirts with the number 22 are being wiped from shelves.
"We used to sell one Abidal shirt in two or three days," said a store consultant to journalists. "Now we sell at least 30 shirts marked with the number 22 per day."
The official club store was prepared for the match against Getafe on Saturday. It was predicted that before the game, when this trading place is usually filled with fans, 50-60 shirts with Abidal's name and number would be sold.
"This is a great way to show support for the ailing Eric and wish him luck and strength," said the consultant.
