Athletic Bilbao defender Yeray Alvarez has been diagnosed with testicular cancer, the club have confirmed.
The 21-year-old, who made his LaLiga debut last year, is due to undergo surgery next Tuesday.
Athletic president Josu Urrutia and club medical chief Jotxean Lekue held a news conference on Friday, at the behest of the player, in which they confirmed the diagnosis and expressed their admiration for the player's positive approach.
"During the day [on Thursday] Yeray had medical tests which detected a tumour in one of his testicles," Lekue said.
"It requires an operation which will take place next week.