French football federation invite Abidal as guest for Sweden clash

Jun 13, 2012 11:40:00 AM

The 32-year-old defender is recovering well after his liver transplant and will join up with the national team for their final match in the group stages next Tuesday

Barcelona stalwart Eric Abidal will join up with the France squad for their Euro 2012 Group B clash against Sweden, the French Football Federation (FFF) has announced.

The 32-year-old underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his liver in March 2011, but after returning to action again, had to receive a transplant in April, forcing him to sit out the European Championship.

FFF president Noel le Graet confirmed the former Lyon defender had been invited to France's final group match match against Sweden in Kiev on Tuesday.

"Abi [Abidal] will come in the morning, spend the day here and leave the next day," he was quoted as saying by French daily 20 Minutes.

Abidal made his debut for France in a friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina in August 2004 and has gone on to make 61 appearances for the national team.

The defender is reported to be recovering well from surgery and could make a return to the game in the near future.