Just in: Real Madrid defender likely to undergo surgery; will be out for 2-3 months | OneFootball

In a major development, MARCA reports that Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio appears close to undergo surgery to resolve the tibia injury he has been carrying since the beginning of the year.

As per the report, the Spanish centre-back remains restricted by the discomfort he has been suffering in his right tibia for nine months, and a decision on a possible surgery could be made soon.

Tibia fracture dating back to January

Asencio’s discomfort, which has been bothering him since the turn of the year, has not gone away, and another episode of pain in the affected area could be the decisive factor in opting for surgery.

The operation has been under consideration since the end of last season, when the option was already on the table, but it was decided to continue with conservative treatment.

Now, if surgery goes ahead, the expected absence would be around two to three months, which would keep the player out until approximately the beginning of the year.

Asencio likely to undergo surgery. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Asencio had been given this three-week international break as a final attempt to overcome the injury and avoid surgery.

He was also motivated by the possibility of starting when the season resumes against Villarreal, with Dean Huijsen suspended, Ibrahima Konate injured and Eder Militao still working towards competitive clearance after his long absence.

However, his issue continues to be a bother. The tibia problem, a small fracture that dates back to January, returned in August after he recovered from a muscle injury.

Conservative treatment has not worked, nor have the numerous specific rehabilitation sessions designed to reduce the strain on and restore the affected area. This will force the club and player to make a decision on a surgery soon.

The summer did not heal the fracture

At the end of last season, Asencio finally had the chance to rest after pushing himself during the final stretch in an attempt to help the team and maximise his chances of making the World Cup squad.

Asencio could be out for 2-3 months. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The summer plan was straightforward: rest, rehabilitation and allowing time for the area to heal naturally. The expectation was that the tibia would respond to a period of rest after months of playing through the problem.

That has not happened. Asencio’s situation has deteriorated, and the tibia has once again become a threat to his season.

The problem may also have been aggravated by a quadriceps injury in the same leg at the end of July, which forced him to modify his workload and training during pre-season.

As such, everything indicates that Asencio will go under the knife soon, which would rule him out for 2-3 months.