France defender Eric Abidal had been enjoying his best season ever with Spanish champions Barcelona, but is now preparing to go into hospital for surgery to remove a liver tumour.

The club said the operation would begin at 4 p.m. today. That was a day earlier than originally planned, for organisational reasons and not due to any deterioration in his condition, the club said.

Barcelona called for “the utmost respect for his right to privacy”.

Sports daily Mundo Deportivo, quoting sources at the club, said Barca hope the tumour has been detected early enough.

Spanish media said the tumour was discovered during a routine check, and the sports daily Marca said the player felt unwell on Tuesday morning.

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