Overview
- The club, which issued a statement Friday, said Álex Jiménez will not be in the squad for Saturday’s match at Fulham and that it will not comment further during the review.
- Screenshots shared on social media allege he exchanged inappropriate messages with a 15-year-old, and outlets reporting on the posts note the material has not been independently verified.
- Manager Andoni Iraola said the team must investigate to learn what happened and added that he hopes the situation is not what it appears.
- Jiménez, 21, joined from AC Milan after an initial loan and has been a regular this season, so his absence affects a stable defense with three league games left.
- Neither the player nor his representatives have responded publicly, and the club’s internal investigation will decide any action beyond his immediate exclusion from the matchday squad.