Abidal to visit French squad

Barcelona stalwart Eric Abidal will join up with the France squad for their Euro 2012 Group B clash against Sweden.

The 32-year-old underwent surgery to remove a tumour from his liver in March last year, but after returning to action, he had to receive a transplant in April which forced him to sit out of contention for the continental tournament.

French Football Federation president Noel le Graet confirmed the former Lyon defender had been invited to France’s final group match against Sweden in Kiev on Tuesday.

“Abi (Abidal) will come in the morning, spend the day here and leave the next day,” he told French daily 20 Minutes.

Abidal made his debut for France in a friendly with Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2004, and has gone on to make 61 appearances for the national team.

The defender is reported to be recovering well from surgery and could make a return to the game in the near future.