Eric Abidal return lifts Barcelona amid Tito Vilanova health scare

Midfielder has returned to training following liver transplant

Eric Abidal (GETTY IMAGES)

The Barcelona captain, Carles Puyol, said the players have drawn strength from defender Eric Abidal's return to good health as they come to terms with news that coach Tito Vilanova needs further cancer treatment.

Abidal yesterday returned to training for the first time since a liver transplant in April. Puyol said: "You're never prepared to hear news like this, but Abidal's example gives the team strength and I'm sure Tito's case will do the same. It's not just an example to us but to the man in the street, proving that if you fight hard, everything will be fine.

"The best way to support him is to keep moving forward."