Marco Asensio denies knee surgery reports as Fenerbahce address injury speculation

Marco Asensio has rejected reports that he needs knee surgery, insisting that his recovery is progressing and that he expects to return to the Fenerbahce squad soon.

The Spain international’s absence from Fenerbahce’s past two matches sparked widespread speculation in Turkey, with AS reporting that the player had been dealing with a serious ligament problem since the beginning of the season.

Those reports claimed Asensio was at risk of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, wanted to undergo an operation and had already asked Fenerbahce for permission to have surgery. The claims created significant concern around the Turkish club and prompted Fenerbahce to issue several separate statements denying that the reports were accurate.

Asensio then chose to address the situation himself in a video published on Fenerbahce’s social media accounts. The club introduced the recording as “Futbolcumuz Marco Asensio’nun, kendisi hakkında gundeme getirilen asılsız iddialara yanıtı” – Marco Asensio’s response to the unfounded claims made about him.

“I am here to deny that I need to undergo surgery,” Asensio said. “I do not usually get involved in this kind of false news, but when it concerns my health and the enthusiasm of the Fenerbahce supporters, I have to intervene.”

He added: “I completely deny what has been reported. Things are progressing gradually on the pitch and I will be back with the team soon.”

Asensio also explained that the timing of the rumours had made it particularly important for him to provide reassurance, with Fenerbahce’s derby against Besiktas approaching.

“I have been here for some time and I understand that they want to reassure us and maintain stability, especially as we are only two days away from a very important match, the derby against Besiktas,” he said.

“So I want to make it clear that everything is fine and I will be back with the team soon.”

The former Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain player said Fenerbahce had made an encouraging start to the campaign and called on supporters to continue backing the side.

“We started the season very well,” he said. “We are in the Champions League and going through a positive period. We hope the stadium, as always, will be behind the team. We will fight for everything.”

Fenerbahce are competing in the Champions League again this season and have made major investments as they attempt to mount a strong challenge for the Turkish league title. The club have signed Greenwood, Muriqi, Ake and other players as part of that ambition.

The speculation over Asensio had emerged just two days before the eagerly awaited Besiktas derby, increasing the pressure surrounding his absence. However, both the player and Fenerbahce have now firmly denied that he is facing a serious injury or preparing to undergo surgery.