Puyol welcomes return of Abidal

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol is delighted at the imminent return to action of team-mate Eric Abidal.

The French defender has been out of action for the past year following liver transplant surgery, and has been training with the first team since December in a bid to recover his fitness.

The full-back was given the all-clear to begin playing once more following further tests in January, and could well make his return in the coming weeks – much to the delight of Puyol.

"Today is the best news for Barcelonistas and football. Abidal has already been discharged. With him we are stronger," Puyol tweeted. 

Abidal's comeback will be a welcome sight for the team following their dismal 2-0 defeat to AC Milan in Wednesday's Champions League round-of-16 first leg.

The 33-year-old could possibly be in contention to feature in Saturday's La Liga match with Sevilla, but he is unlikely to be rushed back into the fold too quickly.