Updated: Get Well Soon: Tito Vilanova

I was very sorry to hear today that Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has suffered a recurrence of his cancer. He had a cancerous tumor removed about 13 months ago. Barca will make a statement later today about the 44 year old coach’s condition. Real Madrid made an official announcement wishing him well and extending support to his family and club. Several RM players have also offered support through social media. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tito and his family. Let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery. Animo Tito!

UPDATED: Tito will undergo surgery tomorrow with a hospital stay of 3-4 days followed by 6 weeks of chemo.

- Lozil

Catching Up With Marcelo & This Week’s Training Sessions So Far

Our ever cheerful Marcelo is back in Madrid, still smiling in spite of his injury (at this point, more of our starters are injured than not. ARGH!) The mothership had a little interview with him.

Sad Crappy News: Eric Abidal Has To Retire

Word is coming down the pike that Eric Abidal is going to have to officially retire as a result of his liver transplant.  I guess we all knew this was a very real possibility but it still makes me sad. I’m so sorry to see his career end but of course it is more important for him to get his full health back so he can be with his beautiful family. It just hard to see such a young man and a talented player go out this way. Here’s wishing him a long, happy life with success in whatever he chooses to do next. Animo Abidal!

Animo Jailbait!

Damn it! Poor Jailbait! was stretchered off the pitch today after being injured in Valencia’s Europa League match against Atleti. Six months after suffering a ruptured knee ligament, he made a wonderful return to the starting line up Sunday against Betis, which Valencia won 4-0. He’s been looking forward to returning to full fitness and playing in the Olympics.  WAH! I’m saying a prayer for our baby Canales that this was minor and that he will bounce back quickly. Albiol and Morata tweeted similar thoughts. ARGH. Little one can’t catch a break – he’s like the Spanish Stu Holden.  :-(  Valencia ended up losing the match (3-1) and Atleti advances to the Europa League final against Athletico Bilbao.

- Lozil

Abidal Recovering After Liver Transplant

Some very good news – Barca’s Eric Abidal is recovering after his liver transplant, which took place yesterday. His cousin Gerard was the donor. There isn’t a lot of news on his condition right now, but more should come out over the next few days. Best of luck to him in his recovery. Animo Abidal!

- Lozil

Happy Birthday Fabrice Muamba!

Here’s a birthday everyone is very happy to celebrate! Fabrice turns 24 today and is making an amazing recovery. He’s able to get up, walk around the corridors in the hospital and may even get to leave the hospital in a week or so! Such wonderful news. I hope that he is home soon with his partner Shauna and son Joshua. Here’s a picture from his Twitter feed on March 30th.  Bless you, kiddo – may this be the first of many more happy, healthy years for you together with your family.

- Lozil

Sad News: Aston Villa Captain Stiliyan Petrov Diagnosed With Acute Leukaemia

From BBC Sport:

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has acute leukaemia

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov has been diagnosed with acute leukaemia, the West Midlands club have announced. The condition was diagnosed following tests after the Bulgaria international, 32, developed a fever following Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal.

Truly Wonderful News: Muamba Gets Out Of Bed

Man, this kid is a miracle. It’s so heartening to see him doing so well and as ever, we continue to send good energy his way. 

With Love And Support From Crackovia

Those goofballs over at Crackovia did something really sweet, posting this get well soon video for Abidal. People are also using the hashtag #animsabidal to send him support. It’s really cool to see everyone sending him love and encouragement.

- Lozil

Abidal To Undergo Liver Transplant

I was sad to hear that Barcelona defender Eric Abidal’s liver disease has progressed and he will have to undergo a liver transplant.