Barcelona player Eric Abidal recuperates after surgery

Abidal has been a regular in Pep Guardiola's Barca side this season

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is recovering at home after surgery on a liver tumour, the club have announced.

The 31-year-old France international should be able to begin exercising again in four weeks with a view to resuming training.

"The post-operation procedures were satisfactory in every aspect and no complications have occurred," the club added.

The tumour was removed in a three-hour operation on 17 March.

Abidal was operated on by Dr Josep Fuster Obregon at the BarnaClinic Grup Hospital Clinic in the Catalan city.

A statement on Barcelona's website also stated: "By the express desire of the player, the club ask for the maximum respect for his right to privacy and confidentiality."

Abidal joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2007 and has been a regular this season.

Pep Guardiola's side lead Spain's La Liga and are through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Capped 52 times by France, Abidal made his international debut in 2004 and has played for his country at two World Cups as well as the 2008 European Championship.

Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo are some of the fellow players who have sent their best wishes to Abidal since it was announced that he had a tumour on 15 March.