Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been given a boost in his recovery from a liver transplant as doctors revealed that he has responded well to treatment.

Abidal underwent the transplant in April with the very real possibility of never being able to play professional football again.

The 32-year-old has already stated that he hopes to be back in action by December, while Barcelona have given him a vote of confidence by including him in their Champions League squad.

However, Dr Juan Carlos Garcia Valdecasas was keen to insist that Abidal's future quality of life is the priority.

"Abidal has responded positively to the medication and his body has recuperated well," Dr Valdecasas told Sport.

"It is not impossible that he could continue to play professional football, but the most important thing is that Eric enjoys an excellent quality of life."

Abidal joined Barca in 2007, making 188 appearances for the club in that time.