Real Madrid issue update on Raúl Asencio injury: when will the defender return?

Raúl Asencio suffered a neck strain during this week’s Champions League knockout-phase playoff win over Benfica, Real Madrid have confirmed.

What injury does Raúl Asencio have?

“After the tests carried out on our player Raúl Asencio by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cervical strain,” the club said on Friday, in a medical update that did not offer a timeline on the defender’s recovery.

On Thursday, AS reported that Asencio and Madrid had not completely ruled out an immediate return to action in next Monday’s LaLiga clash with Getafe. However, player and club have also stressed that they will run no risks with his rehabilitation.

Asencio hurt in midair Camavinga collision

In the second half of Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Benfica on Wednesday, Asencio was stretchered off after a heavy collision with teammate Eduardo Camavinga, as the pair jumped for an aerial ball.

“Just a scare!”

Asencio required several minutes of treatment on the Bernabéu field, and was eventually carried off the field in a neck brace, before being taken to hospital.

There were initial fears that the 23-year-old had suffered a more serious neck injury than has finally been diagnosed, but such concerns were quickly eased by early tests carried out at hospital on Wednesday night.

“It was just a scare!” Asencio wrote on social media on Thursday. “On to the next round. Hala Madrid!”

After their midweek win over Benfica secured a 3-1 aggregate triumph over As Águias, Madrid advance to the Champions League last 16, where Álvaro Arbeloa’s men will face Premier League club Manchester City.

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