Athletic Bilbao players have shaved their heads in support of Yeray Alvarez as he battles testicular cancer.

The 22-year-old is undergoing chemotherapy this summer after tests revealed the disease had returned after he initially underwent a successful operation to treat the cancer in December.

Alvarez, a centre back, was back on the field for the Basque club two months later and had been named in Spain's squad for this summer's Under 21 European Championships but had to pull out.

The Athletic Bilbao squad have shaved their heads in support of team-mate Yeray Alvarez who is battling testicular cancer

Iker Muniain (second left) and Aymeric Laporte (second right) pose with their new haircuts

Midfielder Raul Garcia smiles alongside Alvarez who is undergoing chemotherapy this summer

Now, in a heartwarming show of solidarity, his club team-mates have all opted to shave their hair off in support of the defender.

Midfielder Raul Garica, Forward Iker Muniain and fellow defender Aymeric Laporte were pictured smiling with Alvarez in a group shot at the club's training ground.

The young Bilbao player looked delighted to be surrounded by his team-mates who have returned for pre-season training.

After learning the disease had returned, Alvarez, who will miss the start of the season, posted on Instagram in June: 'When it seemed like it had knocked me down, I got up and fought back.

'Don't worry I'm going to win this fight. With all the people that support me if it comes back to knock me down again, I will come back a thousand and one times.'