Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer in the lymphatic system, and has started a course of chemotherapy treatment, the second-tier Championship club announced on Monday.
In the league this season, Bamba, 35, has been used sparingly as a substitute and in December in a 3-2 win over Birmingham City he made his last appearance when he came on in stoppage time.
“Universally admired by teammates, staff and supporters in the Welsh capital, Sol has begun his battle in typically positive spirits and will continue to be an integral part of the Bluebirds family,” the club said in a statement.
“During treatment, Sol will support his teammates at matches and our younger players within the academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.”
Playing in all 46 league games as they finished second and gained an automatic entry into the top flight, Bamba was a key player during Cardiff’s Premier League promotion bid in 2017-18.
