Real Madrid veteran’s injury opens the door for 22-year-old homegrown talent | OneFootball

On Friday evening, news of Antonio Rudiger’s thigh injury broke out of the blue after he was left out of the Real Madrid squad list for the game against Real Sociedad.

The veteran German international is now expected to be out of action for nearly three months, meaning he will not return at least until December.

This comes as a huge blow for Los Blancos, given that he is a key member of the team and the packed fixture schedule meant that his absence will be felt.

A chance for Raul Asencio

However, as reported by Defensa Central, Rudiger’s injury has caused huge frustration at Real Madrid, but also triggered a domino effect in the team’s defensive structure.

The main beneficiary of this scenario is Raul Asencio, who has gone from a secondary role in the squad to becoming the third-choice centre-back with a genuine chance of gaining immediate minutes.

Out for three months. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Until now, the 22-year-old academy graduate had been confined to a marginal position, overshadowed by the experience and quality of Rudiger and Eder Militao, as well as the emergence of Dean Huijsen, one of the team’s major revelations this season.

However, the German’s injury changes the landscape: Asencio is no longer just an emergency option but an obligatory part of the defensive rotation.

Alonso knows that Militao and Huijsen cannot play every minute during this demanding start to the season. In September alone, Real Madrid play seven matches, including crucial fixtures such as the derby against Atletico Madrid.

With Rudiger out for at least three months, Asencio is tasked with providing cover, ensuring freshness, and helping maintain the defensive solidity the team has shown so far.

For him, this is a major opportunity to prove he has the quality to perform at the highest level and secure a more prominent role after being relegated to a marginal role since his poor displays at the FIFA Club World Cup.