Madrid, Sept. 9 -- Athletic Bilbao faces a defensive shortage after UEFA handed Yeray Alvareza 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...