Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has been diagnosed with a liver tumour and is due to undergo surgery on Friday.
The Spanish club made the announcement late on Tuesday and gave no indication on how long the France international will be sidelined.
Arsenal midfielder Cesc FÃ bregas sent Abidal his support on his Twitter account.
“A lot of support and a lot of strength to Eric Abidal. Bad news for football,” he wrote.
Real Madrid’s Kaka also wrote on Twitter: “What sad news about Eric Abidal, tumour in the liver! Let’s all pray for him … God Bless!”
The 31-year-old Abidal joined Barcelona at the beginning of the 2007-2008 season.
He has been a key figure for Barcelona this season, playing 33 games and filling in recently at centre back for the injured Carles Puyol.
League leaders Barcelona are five points ahead of Madrid in the Spanish standings. — Sapa-AP