Barcelona's Eric Abidal hospitalized for tests on liver transplant

Eric Abidal hasn't played this season but was allowed to start training again in December.

Manu Fernandez/AP

Barcelona says defender Eric Abidal will be hospitalized for three to four days to undergo tests on his liver transplant.

The 33-year-old Abidal had to have a liver transplant last April and has not played since, although he did return to training with the team in October.

Abidal underwent surgery to remove a liver tumor in March 2011 and returned to the team at full strength before the end of the season.

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