Abidal cleared to play after liver transplant

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Barcelona's dismay at losing 2-0 at AC Milan in Wednesday's Champions League last 16 first leg was offset on Thursday by the news that defender Eric Abidal had been cleared to play after almost a year out to undergo a liver transplant.

"After this morning's training session Eric Abidal has received the welcome news that he has the medical all-clear and is therefore available to the team for the final part of the season," Barca said in a statement on their website.

The 33-year-old left-back had the transplant in April 2012 and last featured in a 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid just under a year ago. He returned to training in December.

Barca's next match is a La Liga clash at home to Sevilla on Saturday and they play Real Madrid twice next week.

They host their arch rivals in Tuesday's King's Cup semi-final second leg after last month's first leg at the Bernabeu finished 1-1, and play at Real in La Liga on Saturday. The return game against Milan is at the Nou Camp on March 12.