Asencio receiving special treatment ahead of Mestalla test
Real Madrid's Raúl Asencio is being carefully managed through a tibia fracture as Arbeloa hopes to have him available for Sunday's crucial Valencia clash.
Real Madrid’s defensive crisis has Arbeloa wrapping Asencio in cotton wool ahead of this weekend’s trip to Valencia.
Nursing through injury
Álvaro Arbeloa is giving Raúl Asencio the royal treatment this week with one clear objective - having the centre-back available for Sunday’s clash against Valencia at Mestalla. Alarm bells started ringing when Asencio had to be substituted at half-time during the Rayo match due to discomfort from a tibia fracture he’s been carrying for weeks. It wasn’t the first time either, as the same scenario played out against Monaco when he couldn’t continue beyond the first 45.
The substitution against Rayo created proper uncertainty about his availability for the upcoming fixture. It’s also raised concerns given the paper-thin defensive resources currently at Madrid’s disposal. However, Asencio hasn’t been ruled out for the Mestalla trip, and Arbeloa’s mission is to nurse his most in-form central defender through to Sunday. That’s the plan, though they’re taking it day by day with an injury that could potentially end the academy graduate’s season if he’s pushed too hard.
Holding the fort
Asencio has been soldiering on for weeks amidst Madrid’s defensive crisis. With Rüdiger, Militao, Mendy and Trent all in the treatment room, plus Carvajal and Alaba not at full fitness, losing the youngster would leave Arbeloa’s options down to the bare bones. This predicament is precisely why Asencio has accepted the risk of playing through his injury - at least until Rüdiger returns from the final stages of his recovery.
The German’s comeback, along with Mendy and Trent also nearing returns, could finally provide Asencio with a much-needed breather. But that rest won’t come before Mestalla, where Arbeloa will do everything possible to have him available. A more likely scenario for some recuperation time would be against Real Sociedad, with an eye on having him in top condition for the Champions League tie against Benfica - which would give him nine days to recharge.
The long-term solution
Asencio is well aware that properly healing his tibia fracture would require stopping for approximately 6-8 weeks. That’s the estimated recovery time needed to ensure the fracture fully closes. But here’s where the player’s best interests clash head-on with the team’s needs. Such a prolonged absence would be devastating for Arbeloa right now.
Faced with choosing between what’s best for him personally and what’s best for the team, Asencio has opted for the latter. It’s a risk he’s taking for Madrid while also keeping one eye on the World Cup he dreams of participating in.