Real Madrid Confirm Raúl Asencio Surgery After Fresh Injury Blow

Real Madrid have confirmed that Raúl Asencio will undergo surgery after suffering a stress fracture in the tibia of his right leg, handing José Mourinho another defensive concern early in the season. The operation is scheduled for Thursday, with Spanish media reporting that the defender could face an absence of between two and four months.

The decision comes after Asencio had continued to experience problems with his right leg. The 23-year-old had only recently returned to the squad following a separate muscle injury and had yet to make a competitive appearance for Madrid this season.

Raúl Asencio to Undergo Surgery on Thursday

Real Madrid confirmed the situation in an official medical announcement on Wednesday.

The club stated that Asencio will undergo surgery because of a stress fracture affecting the tibia in his right leg. The procedure is expected to take place on Thursday.

The exact recovery period will depend on the operation and the player's rehabilitation, but reports from Spain indicate that the expected absence could stretch from roughly two months to four months.

That timeline would potentially keep Asencio out until the beginning of 2027.

Another Setback After His Previous Injury

Asencio's latest problem comes after a difficult start to the 2026-27 campaign.

The defender suffered a muscle injury to his right rectus femoris on July 30, which kept him out of the squad for several weeks. He returned to the matchday group in September but did not manage to get onto the pitch.

He had been included among the substitutes for Madrid's most recent matches, but the persistent issue with his tibia ultimately led the club and its medical staff to opt for surgery.

Reports in Spain indicate that Asencio had been dealing with discomfort in the area for an extended period. A meeting involving the player, coaching staff and medical team was held to determine whether conservative treatment remained an option or whether an operation was necessary.

What the Injury Means for Real Madrid's Defence

The timing is particularly difficult for Real Madrid because the club is already managing several issues in central defence.

Ibrahima Konaté has also been dealing with an injury, while Éder Militão is still working his way back after undergoing hamstring surgery in April. Dean Huijsen has been one of Mourinho's regular centre-backs but is facing a suspension following his red card against Atlético Madrid.

Antonio Rüdiger therefore becomes an important option for Mourinho while the squad deals with the latest absences.

Militão's return to team training provides some encouragement. The Brazilian recently rejoined his teammates in training after approximately five months away following surgery.

However, Asencio's operation removes another defensive option at a time when Madrid are entering a demanding part of the season.

Asencio Has Yet to Play This Season

Despite making 34 appearances for Real Madrid last season, Asencio has not featured in an official match during the current campaign. He missed the opening five games because of injury and subsequently returned to the squad without receiving playing time.

His absence is therefore another frustrating setback for a player who had established himself as part of Madrid's defensive plans during the previous campaign.

The latest injury means his immediate focus will now shift entirely toward recovery rather than competing for a place in Mourinho's starting lineup.

When Could Raúl Asencio Return?

There is currently no definitive return date.

The initial reports indicate that Asencio could be sidelined for between two and four months if his recovery progresses as expected.

That range means the defender could potentially return toward the end of 2026 or early in 2027, although the final timetable will depend on how he responds to surgery and subsequent rehabilitation.

For Real Madrid, the priority will be ensuring that the 23-year-old completes his recovery properly rather than rushing his return.

Real Madrid Must Manage a Growing Injury List

Asencio's situation adds to a series of fitness problems that have affected Real Madrid during the opening months of the season.

The club has also recently dealt with injuries involving Kylian Mbappé and Konaté, while Militão has been completing his rehabilitation. Mbappé, for his part, was diagnosed with a hyperextension of the posterior capsule of his left knee and is expected to miss around 10 to 12 days.

For Mourinho, the challenge will be maintaining defensive stability while several players are unavailable or returning from injury.

Asencio's surgery now makes his recovery one of the club's longer-term concerns, with Real Madrid awaiting further updates after Thursday's procedure.