Real Madrid center back Raul Asencio survived a cervical injury scare against Benfica in the Champions League, but he has been out since March 7 against Celta Vigo with a muscular overload.
Asencio was thus held out of the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 against Manchester City, as well as the last La Liga encounter over the weekend against Elche.
Now, ESPN’s Rodra reports that Asencio will be out of the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 as well. That makes the defense that much thinner going up against Erling Haaland, with Eder Militao still likely out.
Real have been hit hard again by injuries this season, especially in defense. Hopefully, Asencio will be ready for the Atletico Madrid clash, but it is better to avoid aggravation than rush the young center back.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2010. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has run sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling.