On 10/7, Alvarez announced on X that he had been provisionally suspended after his urine sample tested positive following the first leg of the 2024-2025 Europa League semi-final, where Bilbao lost 0-3 to Man Utd on 1/5.

The 30-year-old Spanish defender explained that he inadvertently ingested the banned substance through the use of hair loss medication, a consequence of his testicular cancer treatment.

Alvarez was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016. After treatment, he returned to playing in 2017, suffered a relapse, underwent further treatment, and returned again in 2018.

Yeray Alvarez races Rasmus Hojlund (number 9) during the first leg of the Europa League semi-final on 1/5. Photo: AFP.

Yeray Alvarez races Rasmus Hojlund (number 9) during the first leg of the Europa League semi-final on 1/5. Photo: AFP.

"The matter is under investigation and is confidential. I am provisionally suspended and not allowed to make any public statements after this message," Alvarez added.

The Spanish defender also pledged to clarify the issue when permitted to speak. He concluded his post by thanking the club's management for their support during this new challenge.

Following the semi-final first leg at home, Bilbao lost again to Man Utd 1-4 in the second leg. Alvarez played the entire match in both legs, captaining the side in the second leg in place of Yuri Berchiche.

Bilbao finished 4th in La Liga last season. They will join Barca, Real, Atletico, and Villarreal as Spanish representatives in the Champions League group stage next season.

Alvarez progressed through Bilbao's academy and has made 257 appearances for the first team since 2016. The 30-year-old was called up to the Spanish national team in 2018 but did not play.

Thanh Quy (via X)