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Although the exact date when the Frenchman Eric Abidal, who defends the colors of the Catalonia team, will be able to take to the field is unknown, he does not intend to give away the jersey number 22 this season.
The 32-year-old Frenchman is currently recovering from a complicated liver transplant operation, but he recently expressed hope that he will be able to play again in December.
According to the newspaper "El Mundo Deportivo", this news caused a wave of joy in the Barcelona camp, but such predictions are being taken very cautiously.
Last year, the defender underwent surgery to remove a tumor from his liver, and this spring it became clear that he would need a vital organ transplant.
The player himself insists that he wants to return to playing as soon as possible, but he assesses his chances realistically: "Everything depends on my body. I feel better and better now, but the final word will be said by my liver. It needs to 'get used' to me, and I need to get used to it. If things go badly, I will end my career."
Abidal's importance was emphasized by Barcelona's head coach Tito Vilanova and midfielder Xavi Hernandez.
"He traveled with us to Paris and watched the game with the team. It's nice to see him," said the strategist.
"Eric was with us in the dressing room, and that's the best news we can hope for right now. It means his rehabilitation is going well. He has brought a lot of joy to his teammates," added Xavi.
