Athletic Club’s Yeray Álvarez Hit with Lengthy UEFA Suspension Following Positive Test

‎UEFA has suspended Athletic Club defender Yeray Álvarez for doping after the 30-year-old tested positive in the Europa League semifinal against Manchester United.

‎Football’s European governing body stated that Álvarez did not intentionally take a banned substance; he had ingested his wife’s medication, used as a preventive treatment for hair loss.

‎The ban was also backdated to June 2nd, meaning Yeray will be unable to play for Athletic Club until April 2nd, and will be able to train with the side from early February.

‎Athletic Club will be without the defender for their first Champions League appearance since 2015. His absence also rules him out of most of their LaLiga and Copa del Rey fixtures this season.

‎The Basque side return to action this weekend with a clash against Alaves after the international break.