Athletic Club defender Yeray Álvarez has been provisionally suspended due to a positive doping test. The Spaniard claims he has never taken banned substances. He suspects the positive test is due to medication for hair loss.
Álvarez tested positive after the Europa League semi-final against Manchester United. “It was a real blow when I heard that news,” he writes on social media. “And honestly? I couldn’t believe it. I have never in my life taken banned substances.”
The thirty-year-old Álvarez thinks he knows where the positive test came from. The Spaniard was diagnosed with testicular cancer in late 2016. He underwent chemotherapy and recovered. Since then, Álvarez has struggled with hair loss and takes medication for it.
“We have done good research,” Álvarez continues. “And it has been determined that the positive result was due to my unintentional intake of a hair loss prevention drug that contained a prohibited substance.”
Currently, an investigation is underway into the case surrounding Álvarez. “I am provisionally suspended and may not make further public statements,” he says. “I regret the news, but I am working with the club on my defense. I am convinced that I will be back on the field as soon as possible.”
Álvarez went through the Athletic Club youth academy and has been playing in the first team for years. Last season, he participated in 29 matches.