Asencio very close to undergoing surgery, would miss three months -report

Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio is close to undergoing surgery to address a persistent shin injury, according to a report from MARCA. The procedure would sideline Asencio for at least three months. The issue stems from a small fracture that caused him discomfort last season and has prevented him from making his season debut for the club.

Asencio's expected absence compounds defensive shortages for Real Madrid, as Huijsen is suspended and Konaté is injured. Antonio Rüdiger may be the club's only available center-back against Villarreal following the FIFA break, which could force Aurelien Tchouameni into the back line if Konaté cannot return.