Athletic Club has driven Nico Williams's decision to stay and sign a new contract, but they have now received a crushing blow with the news that Yeray Alvarez could be set for an extensive absence.
Yeray, who was a fixture for Ernesto Valverde last season with 29 performances in all matches, spent time with football earlier after the diagnosis of testicular cancer and another forced break could be on the horizon.
Yeray has confirmed to Instagram (via Diario AS) that he has tested positively on a forbidden substance that was in anti-alopecia medication that he had taken involuntarily.
“A few weeks ago I was told that I had tested positively in an anti-doping check that UEFA was performed after the first stage of the semi-final of the Europa League against Manchester United. Receiving that news was a very hard blow and, to be honest, I could not believe it because I have never banned forbidden substances in my life.
“Since I have overcome my illness, I have been following the treatment for Alopecia for years and after studying the case, we have verified that it was positive results because I involuntarily took a preventive medication against hair loss that contained a forbidden substance.
“I want to tell you all that I am talking about this situation, but that I am working on my defense with the support of the club with the conviction that I can return to the field as soon as possible. As soon as the process is ready, I will give all the necessary statements.
“I want to thank Athletic Club for its support and support from the first moment and express my confidence in justice and sports institutions.”
As it looks now, this means that Valverde has only two senior central defenders before the start of the 2025-26 season: Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes, given that Unai Nunez returned to Celta Vigo after his loan in San Mames during the previous campaign. Los Leones hopes to prevent this by signing Aymeric Laporte again, but this will be said much easier than done.