English Premier League
Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio to undergo surgery on right tibia injury

Real Madrid have confirmed that defender Raul Asencio will undergo surgery on Thursday after suffering a stress fracture in his right tibia, creating another setback for the club’s defence this season.
The Spanish club announced the decision on Wednesday, saying: “Our player Raul Asencio will undergo surgery tomorrow to treat a stress fracture in the right tibia.”
According to Marca, Asencio faces a lengthy recovery following the procedure and could be out of action for between two and four months. That would leave him sidelined until approximately the beginning of next year.
The 22-year-old was forced to stop training again after the pain in the affected area returned. The club’s worst fears were confirmed one day later at Valdebebas, when it was decided that the defender would need an operation.
Asencio had not been free of discomfort, and another episode of pain in the injured area ultimately led to the decision to proceed with surgery. The option of an operation had already been considered towards the end of last season, with the summer viewed as a possible opportunity to complete the procedure and reduce the impact of the extended recovery period.
The injury represents a further blow to Real Madrid’s defensive options during the current campaign, with Asencio now facing a significant period away from competitive football.
