Real Madrid’s Raul Asencio to undergo surgery on stress fracture

Raul Asencio faces lengthy spell out after injury setback

Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio is set to undergo surgery on a stress fracture in his right tibia, ending hopes of an early return after a difficult start to the season.

Asencio has been dealing with the injury since the beginning of the campaign and was left out of each of Real Madrid’s first five matchday squads. Although he subsequently returned to the group, he has not played a single minute for the club this season.

The problem reportedly worsened during training on Wednesday, prompting the decision to operate on Thursday. Spanish media reports indicate that Asencio could spend between two and four months on the sidelines.

The defender made 34 appearances in all competitions for Madrid last season, but his role diminished during the closing stages of the campaign. Ibrahima Konate and Dean Huijsen have since been used as the regular centre-back pairing.

There is some positive news in Madrid’s defensive ranks, with Eder Militao back in training after recovering from hamstring surgery that has kept him out since April. Real Madrid are scheduled to return to action at home against Villarreal on October 10 following the international break.