An explanation for the absence of Atlético Madrid star Jonathan David from the club’s matchday squad to face Athletic Club has surfaced online.

This of course comes fresh off an evening to forget for all associated with the Rojiblancos. After making the trip to Bilbao for a La Liga clash, Diego Simeone’s troops were condemned to a first defeat of the term, by three goals to nil.

The aforementioned David, fresh off securing a late-window loan move to Spain’s capital from Juventus, was widely expected to be afforded his first Atléti call-up for the fixture.

Upon the visitors’ matchday setup being unveiled, however, the Canadian international was nowhere to be seen. And as alluded to above, post-match, an insight into precisely why has come to the fore in the Spanish media.

As per a report from COPE:

‘The player woke up this morning with a severe cervical contracture. Despite receiving medical treatment, he was not in a condition to be available.’