Mascherano rubbishes Abidal dispute claims

Javier Mascherano has dismissed reports that he was involved in an argument with Barcelona team-mate Eric Abidal.

During the presentation of the Joan Gamper Trophy on Monday – after the Catalan giants had lost 1-0 to Sampdoria – the duo were spotted in a seemingly heated debate, leading to rumours of a dispute.

However, writing via his personal Twitter account, Mascherano insisted it was merely a private joke with Abidal, whom he described as a ‘phenomenal’ person.

“We did not argue, we were joking,” said the former Liverpool midfielder. “It is impossible to argue with a guy like Abi. He is a phenomenon of a person.”

Abidal, who has not played a competitive fixture since undergoing a liver transplant in April, is targeting a return to action in December.