Arbeloa to carefully manage Real Madrid defender playing through injury ahead of Valencia clash | OneFootball

For a while now, Real Madrid young defender Raul Asencio has been playing through pain and discomfort from a fissure in his tibia.

Given the lack of defensive options due to the absences of Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger, the La Fabrica graduate has pushed himself to play through the problem for the benefit of the team.

The 22-year-old Spaniard was taken off at half-time against Rayo Vallecano last weekend, sparking concerns about his condition.

Careful management ahead of Valencia clash

Now, according to MARCA, Asencio has not been ruled out for the trip to Mestalla. Arbeloa’s objective is to protect his most in-form centre-back in order to have him available against Valencia.

That is the plan, with day-to-day caution given the worrying nature of the injury, which could end the academy graduate’s season if it were to worsen due to excessive strain.

With Rudiger, Militao, Ferland Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, and with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba not yet in optimal condition to compete, the absence of the academy defender would have left Arbeloa with minimal options.

Fully committed to the team. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

This situation is what led Asencio to accept the risk involved in playing with his current injury. At least until Rudiger returns, who is in the final stage of his recovery, allowing a brief respite that could ease the ongoing discomfort.

Alongside Rudiger, Mendy and Trent are also close to returning, which could open the door to a rest period for Asencio. However, that will not be at Mestalla, where Arbeloa will do everything possible to ensure his presence.

A rest could come against Real Sociedad, with the aim of having him in the best possible condition for the Champions League tie against SL Benfica. In that scenario, he would have nine days to recover.

Two months needed

Asencio is aware that the solution to the tibial fissure he is carrying would require stopping for close to two months, between six and eight weeks. That is the estimated period of inactivity needed to ensure the fissure fully heals.

However, this is where what is best for the player directly clashes with what the team needs. Such a prolonged absence of the defender at this moment would be devastating for Arbeloa.

Faced with the choice between what was best for himself and what was best for the team, Asencio chose the latter. It is a risk he is taking for Real Madrid and with the dream of playing in a World Cup in mind.