Barcelona defender Eric Abidal could be back in light training again in just four weeks following successful surgery to remove a tumour on his liver.
The 31-year-old France international went under the knife last week but is now back home after being discharged from hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
However, the club have refused to put a date on when Abidal will be able to return to competitive action.
[Abidal] will continue the recovery process at home and it is estimated that he will be able to begin physical exercise in four weeks' time.
Barcelona statement
Barcelona's medical team said in a statement: "The player was discharged from hospital... and is now resting at home. The post-operation process has been satisfactory in all aspects and no complications have occurred.
"[Abidal] will continue the recovery process at home and it is estimated that he will be able to begin physical exercise in four weeks' time and then later to rejoin the squad training sessions."
Abidal joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2007 and has been a regular this season in the team which leads the Primera Division and has reached the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.
Capped 52 times by France, Abidal made his international debut in 2004 and has played for his country at two FIFA World Cups™ as well as UEFA EURO 2008.