Early on Tuesday Barcelona announced that defender Eric Abidal would undergo surgery to remove a tumor on his liver. After Barcelona's release revealed the surgery, many speculated that Frenchman would miss the remainder of the season recovering from the surgery. Guillem Balague has since revealed that reports indicate Abidal's tumor is benign and that his recovery will only be five or six weeks.

If the report is accurate, it is fantastic news for Abidal. The operation that Abidal will undergo is reportedly a common operation and that his prognosis is very good. That is in addition to the good news for Abidal that the tumor is not cancerous.

Of course, the news of Abidal's tumor being benign takes precedence and any encouraging news with regards to his health is paramount, but Barcelona will also be excited to get their defender back at some point this season. Normally a stout left back, Abidal has also filled in very well in the center in a season that has seen Carlo Puyol miss long stretches of the season due to injury. With Real Madrid just five points behind them in La Liga and their continuing UEFA Champions League play, Barcelona could certainly benefit from a quicker Abidal return.