MADRID, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Athletic Bilbao faces a defensive shortage after UEFA handed Yeray Alvarez a 10-month suspension for doping, leaving the club with only two senior center-backs for a packed season across La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.
The 30-year-old tested positive after the Europa League semifinal defeat to Manchester United in May. UEFA said the sanction, backdated to June 2, followed "the incorrect use of a preventive medicine for hair loss which belonged to his partner," stressing that there was no intent to dope.
Alvarez, who has twice overcome cancer during his career, will be permitted to return to training from February 2, 2026, and can play again starting April 2, though Athletic may appeal for a reduction.
The ban comes after the collapse of Athletic's attempted deal to re-sign Aymeric Laporte from Al Nassr. Although Athletic filed the paperwork before the transfer deadline, Al Nassr failed to do so, and FIFA has so far refused to validate the move.
Coach Ernesto Valverde is now left with only Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes as natural central defenders. He will likely have to draft in players from the club's B-team, including Jon de Luis and Ander Izagirre, once the latter recovers from injury.
Athletic's problems could worsen with winger Nico Williams awaiting scans after a groin injury suffered in Spain's 6-0 win over Türkiye on Sunday. ■
