The 35-year-old  Ivory Coast international has already started chemotherapy and will be supported by the Bluebirds’ medical team, his club said.

A club statement read: ‘We are saddened to inform supporters that Sol Bamba has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

‘With the close support of the club’s medical team, Sol has immediately started a course of chemotherapy treatment.

‘Universally admired by team-mates, 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.

‘During treatment, Sol will support his team-mates at matches and our younger players within the Academy, with whom he will continue his coaching development.

‘All future updates on Sol’s progress will be provided only via official club channels. We are all with you, Sol.’

The France-born, who started his career at Paris St Germain, has made six appearances for Cardiff this season. He helped the club into the Premier League in 2018 and has also had spells at Hibernian and Leicester, moving to the Bluebirds from Leeds in 2016.

He has played 46 times for the Ivory Coast, including World Cup appearances and was part of their African Cup of Nations squad when they were runners-up in 2012.