Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio faces six weeks out with thigh injury

Real Madrid have confirmed that defender Raul Asencio has suffered a muscle tear in his right thigh during the club’s pre-season preparations for the new campaign.

The Spanish club announced that medical tests carried out on Thursday revealed a tear in the rectus femoris muscle of Asencio’s right leg. Real Madrid added that the 23-year-old’s recovery would be monitored by the club’s medical staff, without giving an official timeframe for his return.

Spanish journalist Arancha Rodriguez, who specialises in covering Real Madrid, reported that Asencio is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks as a result of the injury.

The setback comes as Carlo Ancelotti’s side step up their preparations for the new season, with the defender having established himself as part of the first-team squad in recent years.

Emerging defender hit by setback

Asencio was promoted to Real Madrid’s senior squad two seasons ago and has since been used regularly across the club’s competitions.

Last season he made 34 appearances in all competitions for Real Madrid, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Despite that level of involvement, he has so far won just one major trophy with the club – the Intercontinental Cup.

His injury leaves Real Madrid temporarily short of one defensive option at a time when the club has already overseen changes at the back.

Defensive reshuffle at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid have moved to reinforce their defence this summer by signing Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on a free transfer following the departure of David Alaba.

Konate’s arrival adds to a central defensive unit that still includes Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, both of whom remain at the club.

They are joined by Dean Huijsen, the young defender who arrived from Bournemouth last season and is part of the senior set-up going into the new campaign.

Asencio’s absence during pre-season and at the start of the competitive schedule is therefore expected to be covered internally, with Real Madrid relying on their existing centre-back options while the 23-year-old works on his recovery under the supervision of the club’s medical department.