Raúl Asencio
RMA
CB (RB)
Back Line Anchor
Feb 13, 2003 (23)
Right
6'0"
174 lb
Real MadridSpotted in team training
Asencio (thigh) was spotted in team training Thursday and could be an option for Saturday's clash against Rayo Vallecano, the club posted.
Analysis: Asencio's situation had been complicated by both a shin issue and an off field matter, with coach Jose Mourinho previously saying he was unhappy with accumulated mistakes affecting the club's image and confirming the club had opened a file on the extra sportive event, while also noting Asencio would remain injured for at least two more weeks. His appearance in Thursday's team training session now offers a potential path back into contention, though his path forward, both physically and with the club, remains a situation to watch closely.
Not expected back soon
Asencio is not expected to be back soon, for reasons outside of sport, according to coach Jose Mourinho. "Asencio? I spoke to him when I arrived here. I don't talk about things that happen outside of Valdebebas. He is a great professional, no one trained like him. But a Real Madrid player is always a Real Madrid player. Even off the pitch. What you do outside, it hurts the image of the club. What I'm saying is I am not happy. Everyone makes mistakes, but accumulated mistakes are different. The club has opened a file on it [extra sportive event]. He's injured and will remain injured for two more weeks. And this helps me to be out of the problem you've mentioned (having him available) right now."
Analysis: Asencio had recovered from the femoral injury suffered in late July but was then dealing with a fresh shin issue, an area that had also bothered him last season, and this update now suggests his absence extends beyond purely physical factors. His situation, already complicated and widely expected to end in a summer departure from Real Madrid, remains one to monitor as it continues to develop.
New shin issue could require surgery
Asencio has recovered from the femoral injury he suffered in late July but is now dealing with a fresh issue in his shin, an area that also bothered him last season, according to Marca.
Analysis: Asencio has begun a specific treatment program at Valdebebas aimed at resolving the problem without surgery, and how quickly he responds will determine whether that conservative approach can continue or whether an operation becomes necessary. Should surgery be required, he would be sidelined for six to eight weeks. The club has not yet released an updated medical report or given a specific return date. This latest setback interrupts what had been a positive recovery from the earlier muscle injury, adding further uncertainty to his path back to the pitch.
Spotted running on grass
Asencio (thigh) was spotted running on the grass Friday during his recovery, according to Madrid Xtra.
Analysis: Asencio had suffered a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right leg, an issue expected to keep him sidelined for around six weeks, and this early running work is a positive sign of progress. He made 23 LaLiga appearances last season but has fallen down the pecking order following Ibrahima Konate's arrival, and he remains widely expected to leave Real Madrid this summer regardless of how his recovery unfolds.
Sidelined roughly six weeks
Asencio suffered a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right leg and is expected to be sidelined for approximately six weeks, according to Arancha Rodriguez of COPE.
Analysis: Asencio made 23 LaLiga appearances last season, contributing two goals, but has fallen down the pecking order heading into the new 2026/27 season following the arrival of Ibrahima Konate and is widely expected to leave Real Madrid this summer regardless of the injury, with reported interest from clubs including Marseille. This latest setback further complicates his path forward, and his next club destination will be one to track as the transfer window continues.
Makes squad for Betis clash
Asencio (illness) has been included in the matchday squad for Friday's clash against Real Betis, the club posted.
Analysis: Asencio had been hospitalized with bacterial enterocolitis and lost six kilos in two weeks during his illness, making his inclusion in the squad a remarkable turnaround given the severity of the situation. The young center-back is unlikely to be thrown straight into the starting lineup after such a debilitating spell, but his presence in the squad gives Real Madrid a valuable depth option in the back line with Eder Militao (hamstring) sidelined again. Getting him back available even in a rotational capacity is a welcome boost for the Merengues heading into the final stretch of the season.
Back in training
Asencio (illness) has returned to training and could be an option for Friday's clash against Real Betis, according to MadridXtra.
Analysis: Asencio's return to training is a timely development for the Merengues, particularly given Eder Militao's ongoing absence from the defensive unit. The center-back is expected to come off the bench rather than slot straight into the starting lineup, but his availability nonetheless provides valuable depth at the back. His recovery from bacterial enterocolitis appears to be progressing well, and Friday's fixture could mark his return to the matchday squad.
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