Raul Asencio returns to Real Madrid training with his future under scrutiny

Raul Asencio has returned to first-team training with Real Madrid, just 48 hours before their La Liga meeting with Rayo Vallecano, but the defender’s future at the club remains uncertain.

The young centre-back, who has been absent since the start of the season, took part in his first session with the group on Thursday morning as he continues his recovery from a hamstring tear sustained during pre-season.

Asensio did not play a single competitive minute before the injury. He appeared to be in good physical condition during the session, with Real Madrid’s medical staff aiming to use the forthcoming international break to complete his rehabilitation and bring him back to full fitness.

His return comes at a significant moment in his career. Asencio had been close to leaving Real Madrid during the summer transfer window, but the injury disrupted a possible move. The club had also strengthened its defence by signing France international Ibrahima Konate.

Although his availability is a positive development from a footballing perspective, Asencio faces an uncertain future under manager Jose Mourinho. His return to the squad will not, by itself, guarantee that he remains part of the coach’s plans.

Real Madrid continue to deal with a number of injuries elsewhere in the squad. Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo are all following individual rehabilitation programmes, both in the gym and on the training pitch.

According to AS, Militao and Mendy are expected to enter the final stage of their recoveries in the coming weeks. Rodrygo, however, is likely to require several more months before he has fully recovered from the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered.

Asencio’s off-field situation has added further uncertainty. He was recently acquitted and pardoned in a case involving the distribution of a sex tape, which caused widespread controversy last season.

However, he was convicted in August of driving under the influence of alcohol after returning a positive test. The incident prompted a strong public response from Mourinho and reflected the level of frustration within the club.

“When he was fit, nobody trained harder or better than him,” Mourinho said after the incident came to light.

“But a Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. I am not happy. We all make mistakes, but an accumulation of mistakes is something different.”

Asencio is now back among his team-mates, but his rehabilitation is only one part of the decision facing Mourinho. The defender must regain full match fitness while also waiting to discover whether the manager believes he can continue his Real Madrid career.