Barca's Abidal training after liver transplant

Eric Abidal (right) had to stop playing a second time last spring when doctors determined he needed a transplant.

Boris Streubel/Getty Images

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has taken part in his first team training session since a liver transplant eight months ago.

Abidal's return on Wednesday coincided with the announcement that Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova would need surgery and chemotherapy after the recurrence of a throat ailment.

The 33-year-old Abidal underwent surgery to remove a liver tumor in March 2011 and returned to the team at full strength before the end of that season.

The France international had to stop playing a second time last spring when doctors determined he needed a transplant.