Athletic Bilbao footballer Jeraj Alvarez announced today that he has been provisionally suspended for unintentionally using a banned substance used to treat alopecia.
Alvarez failed a doping test on May 1, after Atletico's defeat to Manchester United (3:0) in the Europa League semi-finals, the BBC reported.
He said he was taking the drug as part of treatment for hair loss after being diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016.
Alvarez said he couldn't believe it when he was informed of the positive doping test and that it was a hard blow for him.
"After studying the case, we have determined that I tested positive because I inadvertently took a hair loss prevention medication that contained a prohibited substance. The investigation is confidential, I am temporarily suspended and am not authorized to make any further statements," Alvarez said in a social media post.
"I deeply regret this situation, but with the support of the club, I am working on my defense in the belief that I will be able to return to the field as soon as possible," added the 30-year-old defender.
The European Football Association (Uefa) said it would not comment until a decision is made.
Athletic Bilbao supported their player and expressed confidence that the authorities would resolve the case.
"Once the procedure is completed, Jeraj Alvarez and Atletico will offer all relevant and necessary explanations," the Basque club said in a statement.
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