Abidal targets December return

Barcelona's midfielder Spanish Xavi Hernandez (R) holds the Paris' Trophy given by former team-mate Eric Abidal after defeating Paris Saint-Germain PSG at the end of the Paris Saint-Germain PSG vs FC Barcelona football friendly match at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. (AFP Photo/Bertrand Langlois)

AFP
Barcelona's midfielder Spanish …

Barcelona and France left-back Eric Abidal, who is currently recovering from liver transplant surgery in April, has set his sights on a return to action in December, he told Catalan TV3 on Saturday night.

"I have started working in the gym and I feel good," he said after Barcelona's friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Paris, which the Catalan club won 4-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

"I am on the way and let's see if I can get back playing before December.

"That is the objective, but if I have to wait until after that it's not a problem.

"I am better than I was three months ago. I am following the doctors' guidelines and the truth is I feel good. I am able to travel and enjoy the football and being with the team."

The 32-year-old French international defender underwent the operation on April 10 just over a year after having a tumour removed from his liver in March 2011.

He was given the green light to leave hospital in Barcelona in May.