Asencio surgery leaves Real Madrid with one centre-back

Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio will undergo surgery on October 1, 2026, for a stress fracture in his right tibia. The Spanish centre-back reportedly faces up to four months on the sidelines after dealing with discomfort since late last season. The injury exacerbates an acute availability crisis in Madrid's central defense.

With Dean Huijsen suspended following a red card against Atlético de Madrid and Ibrahima Konaté injured, Antonio Rüdiger remains the only available centre-back for manager José Mourinho. Eder Militão also remains in recovery, leaving Madrid's defensive depth heavily depleted early in the season.