Athletic Bilbao's Yeray Alvarez diagnosed with testicular tumour

Yeray Alvarez is suffering from a testicular tumour and will undergo surgery.

Josu Urrutia, Athletic Club's president, delivered the update on Yeray's health at a press conference Friday, saying, "Yeray has a tumour in a testicle and will undergo surgery in the next week. Yeray wanted us to give you the news."

He then specified the Basque centre-back will go under the knife on Tuesday, Dec. 27.

Joxean Lekue of Athletic's medical services expanded on Yeray's situation, revealing how the tumour was discovered before expressing some optimism.

"He had discomfort and we did an ultrasound," Lekue said. "There the alarm went off and today we've done more tests. We have confirmed he has a tumour on his right testicle and the first therapeutic process is to remove the tumour. In (Hospital) Cruces, the urology department holds great experience, particularly in Yeray's case. That's why we're moderately optimistic. We know what we know. We don't want to speculate. It's serious and we'll act quickly."

Yeray was in the midst of a breakout season before the tumour was found. The youngster was promoted to Athletic's first team prior to the 2016-17 La Liga season and made his debut as a substitute in the Basque club's 2-1 victory over Valencia in September. He started all six of his side's group-stage fixtures in the 2016-17 Europa League, tallying two assists in the process.

In November, Yeray laughed off reports linking him to Barcelona, telling Mundo Deportivo: "I know there have been comments in the press, but I took it as a joke."

Among those who were quick to send support messages was CD Basconia, Athletic's feeder club who plays in the Tercera Division, the fourth division of Spanish football.