Raul Asencio returns to Real Madrid squad for Rayo Vallecano meeting

Jose Mourinho has recalled Raul Asencio to the Real Madrid squad for Saturday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano, giving the defender his first opportunity to be involved under the manager after more than a month out with injury.

Asencio has been absent for around six weeks after suffering a muscular problem affecting his rectus femoris. He subsequently experienced a further setback involving his shin bone, delaying his return to first-team football.

The Spain defender has not played in any match since Mourinho took charge. However, he resumed full training with his team-mates in recent days and completed the sessions ahead of the Rayo Vallecano fixture without difficulty, allowing him to be included in the squad.

His availability provides Mourinho with another option at centre-back at a demanding stage of the season, with Real Madrid facing a busy schedule and La Liga matches being played during the week.

Asencio’s return also brings an end to a turbulent summer for the young defender. He had been close to leaving Real Madrid, but his injury halted any possible move and left his future unresolved.

He was informed a few days ago that he had been cleared in the case concerning a video in which he had been involved. At the same time, he was found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol in Gran Canaria last August.

Mourinho had previously criticised Asencio’s conduct, saying: “A Real Madrid player remains a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day. What you do away from the club can damage your reputation and the reputation of the club, and I am not happy.”

Now that he has regained his fitness, Asencio’s attention has returned to football as he looks to prove himself and earn a chance under Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo remain absent from the squad for the match.

Mourinho has also responded to criticism of Kylian Mbappe by saying that “some people do not understand football” and that Real Madrid’s victories anger some people.

Real Madrid squad

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Sergio Mestre.

Defenders: Raul Asencio, Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Carreras, Antonio Rudiger, Denzel Dumfries.

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva, Thiago Pitarch.

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Kylian Mbappe, Espi, Brahim Diaz, Diomande.