Real Madrid ace Raul Asencio has been playing with a fractured tibia | OneFootball

Real Madrid Asencio has been playing with a fractured tibia since the start of the season and is on the verge of breaking down, according to SPORT.

The 22-year-old has been an emergency solution to Madrid’s backline since last season. 

Eder Militao, David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy have all spent time on the sidelines this season, and some of them have suffered multiple setbacks.

Madrid’s defensive woes have been a recurring headache for the last three managers at the club.

Asencio’s emergence has been a breath of fresh air, but he has been playing through pain since the start of the season to help Madrid.

The situation is risky and could cause long-term damage, but he took up the mantle as Madrid’s list of absentees kept growing.

New manager Alvaro Arbeloa has been forced to experiment with options running out. 

Aurelien Tchouameni and Alvaro Carreras have deputised in the heart of defence alongside Asencio and Dean Huijsen.

Madrid lined up with just two recognised defenders in the squad in the midweek 6-1 Champions League victory over Ligue 1 side AS Monaco.

Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde lined up as full-backs on either side of Asencio and Huijsen.

Asencio was replaced at half-time to manage his fitness, and Arbeloa could repeat that trick when Madrid visit Villarreal this weekend.

On the bright side, Alaba’s return will help to lift some of the burden on Huijsen and Asencio.

Carvajal and Fran Garcia have also returned, but Madrid are still without Militao, Mendy and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The latter trio will miss the trip to La Ceramica, but Arbeloa may be able to name a stable backline this weekend.