Fakayejo Paul
Real Madrid’s defensive woes have reached a breaking point as the club confirmed that Raúl Asencio will miss today’s La Liga fixture against Elche at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The 22-year-old defender has been sidelined due to muscle discomfort, a setback that leaves manager Álvaro Arbeloa with a threadbare backline for this crucial match.
Asencio had only recently returned to the fold after a harrowing cervical strain suffered in late February following a mid-air collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga.
While he was an unused substitute in the midweek Champions League draw against Manchester City, he was expected to start today to allow for much-needed rotation.
A “Bare Bones” Defense
With Asencio out, Arbeloa is facing an unprecedented shortage of center-backs. The injury list currently resembles a crowded infirmary:
- Out: Éder Militão, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and now Raúl Asencio.
- The “Makeshift” Duo: Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen—who himself only recently recovered from a calf issue—will be forced to start again, despite Arbeloa’s hopes of resting them ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium next Tuesday.
Academy to the Rescue
Faced with nine senior absences, including Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo, Arbeloa has once again dipped into the “La Fábrica” talent pool.
The squad list for today features several youth players:
- Diego Aguado: The teenage defender who may be called upon if Rüdiger or Huijsen require a mid-game rest.
- Manuel Ángel & Thiago Pitarch: Midfielders who have already impressed in recent weeks and may see significant minutes today.
The “City” Countdown
The medical staff will closely monitor Asencio’s progress over the next 48 hours. While his “discomfort” is not thought to be severe, the priority is ensuring he is at least available as an option on the bench for the Manchester City second leg.
If he fails to recover, Real Madrid may travel to Manchester with only two fit senior center-backs.