A surprising development at Athletic Bilbao: Yeray Alvarez has tested positive in a doping control conducted by UEFA following the first leg of the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United at San Mamés. The Basque defender himself announced the news via a statement released on his social media channels.
“Since overcoming my illness, I have been undergoing treatment for alopecia (hair loss). We have confirmed that the positive result was caused by the involuntary intake of a preventative medication for hair loss containing a prohibited substance,” explained Yeray, who has previously battled testicular cancer. The disciplinary procedure is currently in its investigative phase and is confidential, which is why the player has been provisionally suspended and cannot make further statements.
The club immediately issued an official note expressing regret for the “human error” committed by the player, while reaffirming their full confidence in the defender, a cornerstone of Valverde`s system. Yeray publicly thanked Athletic Club for the support received from the very beginning and expressed faith in sports institutions: “I am working diligently on my defense, with the goal of returning to the pitch as soon as possible. Once the procedure is concluded, I will provide all explanations for the case.”
