Barcelona says defender Eric Abidal has been diagnosed with a liver tumor and will undergo surgery on Friday.
The Spanish club made the announcement late Tuesday and gave no indication on how long the France international will be sidelined.
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 center back for the injured Carles Puyol.
League leader Barcelona is five points ahead of Real Madrid in the Spanish standings.
Second player in a week
