Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has confirmed that Eric Abidal is recovering in hospital following a liver transplant operation.

The 32-year-old full-back had the surgery, which was expected to last around eight hours, yesterday morning.

"Today could be a great one all round, because we know that Abidal and his cousin (Gerard, the donor) are recovering well after the operation," said Rosell.

"I can't say anything more than this because the family have specifically asked us not to say any more."

Abidal was diagnosed with liver cancer in March of last year.