Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio faces the risk of a long-term absence from the team, as his struggle with an injury to his right tibia, which he has been dealing with since last season, has flared up again.
Asencio continues to suffer from a problem in his right tibia, despite undergoing conservative treatment, rest, and rehabilitation work during the past period, bringing the idea of surgical intervention back into focus.
According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Real Madrid's management and medical staff are considering, in coordination with the player, the possibility of resorting to surgery, as pain in the injured area has persisted and the defender has not reached full recovery that would allow him to return to the pitch normally.
The decision is expected to be finalized in the coming period, amid a meeting between the player and the medical and technical staffs to determine the most suitable option, whether continuing treatment without surgery or resolving the issue through surgical intervention.
If Asencio undergoes the operation, his absence could extend for approximately two to three months, meaning his return to the pitch may be delayed until the beginning of next year, depending on his response to treatment and the recovery program.
These developments come at a difficult time for Real Madrid, which is suffering from a shortage of defensive options, especially with injuries and suspensions affecting coach José Mourinho's calculations in the back line.
Asencio had missed the start of the season due to a muscle injury in his right thigh sustained during the pre-season, before recovering and returning to the squad list, but he has not yet received an opportunity to play in matches.
Asencio's injury dates back to last season, when the player continued to participate despite suffering from the injury, before later undergoing conservative treatment aimed at avoiding surgery and giving him a chance to recover without a long absence.
However, the persistence of symptoms over the past months has brought surgery back into consideration, especially since the player's main goal is to eliminate the problem permanently and reach full physical readiness.
The injury complicates Asencio's situation within Real Madrid, after his future was subject to discussion during the summer transfer window, given his lack of a key role in Mourinho's plans and the club's desire to reorganize its defensive options.
If the need for surgery is confirmed, his long absence will make any potential move regarding his future during the winter transfer window more difficult, while the current focus will be on resolving his physical crisis and returning to the pitch in the best possible condition.
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