Fresh setback for Real Madrid defender

Young Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, who has been sidelined since the end of last season through injury, is set to miss around three more months after deciding to undergo surgery.

The centre-back has been troubled by persistent pain in his right tibia. The club's medical staff subsequently decided that surgical intervention was necessary. According to Madrid's official medical bulletin, the procedure will take place tomorrow (Thursday), after which his rehabilitation will begin immediately.

A unanimous decision was made to resolve the ongoing discomfort affecting the academy graduate. He has battled the issue for months, with conservative treatment failing to yield the desired results. The defender had initially intended to wait until Christmas to reassess his condition at the end of the calendar year.

Ultimately, prioritizing the player's long-term health prevailed, as he is dealing with a minor stress fracture. Asencio had reservations about going under the knife since he has yet to feature in an official match this season, especially with injuries to Ibrahima Konate and Eder Militao's continued absence potentially opening up first-team opportunities.

Despite playing through pain, Raul Asencio was included in Jose Mourinho's matchday squad for several recent fixtures, though he remained an unused substitute.

Off the pitch, the Spaniard has also faced troubles following two recent court rulings. He was convicted of drink-driving in one case, receiving a fine and an eight-month driving ban, while being cleared in another regarding the alleged distribution of sexually explicit videos.