Get Well Soon

5-0 clasico

Eric Abidal is now two weeks past the surgery he underwent to remove a tumor from his liver. He is by all accounts feeling fit and was apparently well enough to come to train yesterday.

Abidal has been a key figure in the team's continued strong performance since Captain Puyol has been knocked out on the injured list. He fit in the back line better than anyone else. It's safe with him there.

He is also a playful figure in the international circles; being a member of the French debacle of last year that seemed to center on players vs coaching. One of the lads, if I can use an English term to characterize a frenchman.

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Tomorrow Barça play Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukraine side that has eight(!) brazilians on their roster. The game has the smell of one of the early matches in the competition they've already played against Rubin Kazan or Copenhavn. Not expecting an upset.

The perhaps more dramatic game in the european cup being played tomorrow is in England as Chelsea and Man U square off. Chelsea's last chance to salvage anything from their season that has seen them eliminated from contention for all other championships. For Man U, it is the possible refurbishing of their brand in a new incarnation that has become focused around Rooney's resurrection from a world cup wash-out, tabloid adulterer and petulant contract negotiator, to the return of St. George. Plus, Chicharito is on the squad. The first Mexican in the Premier league, his ascendance has been publicly softened by the Rooney comeback, but the boy is a shaky joy to watch.

Madrid eviscerated Tottenham today in their champions league quarter-final game. Adebayor is looking hungry for the goals and maybe his cutting his locks has made the difference. Inter, last years douchey champs that were helmed by Jose Mourinho, lost 2-5 against German side Schalke. A stunner, in spite of the tremendous opening goal at the 20 second mark scored by Inter's captain Zambrotta.

You can't always get what you want... get well soon.