Real Madrid Defender Faces Extended Sideline After Surgery

Real Madrid's defensive lineup faces further disruption as Raul Asencio is slated for surgery on a stress fracture in his right shin. The procedure is scheduled for Thursday. Spanish media reports indicate a recovery period of two to four months, contingent on the surgery's success.

Asencio, 23, has been hampered by injuries since the season's commencement, consequently being omitted from Real's match-day squads for their first five games. Although he made 34 appearances last season, his starting position had been lost in the latter stages of the campaign.