Asencio eyeing Villarreal return as Madrid's injury crisis deepens
Real Madrid's defensive woes continue with Asencio pushing for a return against Villarreal, while Rodrygo remains doubtful and Brahim rejoins training after AFCON heartbreak.
Madrid’s defensive puzzle continues as Asencio races against time for Villarreal clash, while Brahim returns from international duty.
The walking wounded at the Bernabéu were back on the training pitch today, with all eyes on young defender Raúl Asencio. The centre-back, who’s been a proper revelation this season, was forced off at half-time against Monaco in the Champions League after taking a nasty knock that’s left him with a small fracture in his tibia.
Defensive headache for Arbeloa
Asencio managed to complete part of today’s session with the group, giving Madrid fans a glimmer of hope that he might be available for Saturday’s tricky away day at La Cerámica. The gaffer’s got a right mare in defence at the moment, with:
- Militao sidelined
- Trent Alexander-Arnold out
- Ferland Mendy unavailable
- Antonio Rüdiger training separately and likely to miss out
Talk about being down to the bare bones! The final decision on Asencio won’t come until Friday’s session, but word around the training ground suggests he’s more likely than not to feature. Given the state of things at the back, they need him like a fish needs water.
Rodrygo remains touch and go
The Brazilian winger also participated partially in training, but his availability for the weekend remains up in the air. Like Asencio, a final assessment will be made after Friday’s session, but there’s less confidence about his chances of making the squad.
Brahim back in the fold
On a more positive note, Brahim Díaz has returned to Madrid training following his stint with Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Málaga-born playmaker was one of the tournament’s standout performers, though his campaign ended in heartbreak when he missed a crucial penalty in the final against eventual champions Senegal.
With the squad stretched thinner than my wallet after a night in the West End, Brahim’s return provides a timely boost to Madrid’s attacking options ahead of what promises to be a proper test against Villarreal.