Hamilton Academical Barcelona: What Abidal's Reunite Means for Barca's Back Line - Bleacher Report

Eric Abidal made his second appearance of the growing season for Barcelona Sunday, continuing his remarkable comeback from a liver transplant merely a year ago. Abidal's successful restoration is really a task that any fan can get behind, but less clear is how his return will modify the set-up for Vilanova's protection for the rest of the campaign. With accidents to Puyol and changed centre-half Mascherano carrying the Barca right back point thin, one might be tempted to view Abidal's get back as a little of saving grace for the Blaugrana's year as they close in on the League/Champions League double. Barca supporters understand that Eric Abidal, at his best, is one of many best centre-halfs the world over: powerful, quickly, physically dominant and correct in his tackling. A quick Abidal restoration will make it easy for Barcelona to cast aside therefore lots of the concerns that have plagued Pique's main defense companion all season long. Puyol is a huge move slow and never really fit; Mascherano's not enough real existence and energetic tackling have caught him from several occasions. The additional options at centre-half are even less ideal: Adriano has only played a handful of games there; Bartra is fairly untested at the best level; Song has been a as a convert; Busquets is the slowest of the ton and moving him sacrifices among the Barca's key midfielders. Abidal gives as a result of his cousin and liver-donor GerardDavid Ramos/Getty Images It would be quite an top of what he's currently accomplisheda'for Abidal to be fit enough to associate Pique in the Champions League, possibly for the semifinal or the final.AGiven the amount of his absence and the significance of his illness, I actually do maybe not quite see Vilanova putting this type of massive duty on the Frenchman's shoulders so right after his go back to the group. And that's even assuming that he is ready for the actual toll of a 90-minute match. More likely, Abidal may carry on gaining minutes in the league from week to week but be kept in reserve for the Champions League. Who knows, though? Maybe Vilanova has an up his sleeve, and Abidal has timed his return just right for Barcelona's important work in. In any event, heAwill truly have an impact on the team's confidence and morale. We'll get our first look at a remedy in a week's time!