Republic of Ireland and Cardiff City footballer Stephen McPhail has been diagnosed with cancer, according to a statement on the club’s website.

Midfielder McPhail, 29, has been told he has stage one malt lymphoma, the statement says.

The statement read: “Stephen McPhail has been diagnosed with a stage one malt lymphoma, previously known as a pseudo lymphoma.

“Treatment is expected to last for three weeks with a return to football by January 2010.

“The club requests that the privacy of Stephen, his wife, and young family be respected during his recovery.”

Malt lymphoma is a relatively rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, according to cancer charity Macmillan.

It is most common in the stomach but may also occur in the lung, the thyroid, salivary gland and other organs such as the intestine.

Most cases of malt lymphoma affecting the stomach are caused through infection by bacteria Helicobacter pylori.

It is treated with antibiotics, radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.