MADRID – Real Madrid’s thumping 6-1 victory over Monaco on Tuesday night has been overshadowed by a fresh injury concern in defense. Young breakout star Raúl Asencio, who has become a mainstay in the starting eleven recently, is facing a potentially long period on the sidelines after aggravating a tibia injury.
Despite the dominant scoreline, manager Álvaro Arbeloa is now facing a tactical headache as his defensive options continue to dwindle during a crucial part of the season.
The Diagnosis: A Persistent Tibia Problem
According to journalist Miguel Ángel Díaz, Asencio has been managing pain in his tibia for several weeks. The situation reached a breaking point during the Champions League clash at the Bernabéu, where the 22-year-old was forced to leave the pitch in the 60th minute after the discomfort became unbearable.
The defender is scheduled for a comprehensive medical evaluation this Wednesday (21). While the club remains hopeful, early indications suggest he could miss key upcoming fixtures in both La Liga and the Champions League, with some fear that he could be ruled out for a significant portion of the remaining campaign.
A Decimated Defense
Asencio’s potential absence is particularly devastating given the current state of the Real Madrid medical room. Arbeloa is already navigating a season without several world-class defensive assets:
- The Absent Stars: Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all currently sidelined with various injuries.
- Attacking Woes: Rodrygo also remains out, though the club expects Brahim Díaz to return shortly following his international duties with Morocco.
The Winter Window Necessity?
With Asencio now a major doubt, pressure is mounting on President Florentino Pérez to reconsider his stance on January signings. If the diagnosis on Wednesday confirms a serious fracture or persistent stress issue, Real Madrid may be forced into the market to find an emergency center-back to keep their title hopes alive.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
