Former Real Madrid striker Fran Sol has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The player's current club Willem II broke the news with a short statement which also revealed that the Spaniard has undergone surgery.
"Fran Sol will be operated in hospital this Thursday morning," The Sun quotes the Dutch club as saying.
"At the beginning of a tumour was discovered in its early stages, and it will be removed and examined."
The 25-year-old remained upbeat ahead of his operation, declaring that he and his doctors will "pursue the research with hope, energy and confidence".
Sol has scored 16 goals for Willem II since joining the club from Villarreal last year.