Real Madrid issue update on Raúl Asencio injury: when will the defender return?
After Raúl Asencio suffered a neck injury during Real Madrid’s Champions League win over Benfica, Los Blancos have confirmed the extent of the issue.
Raúl Asencio suffered a neck strain during this week’s Champions League knockout-phase playoff win over Benfica, Real Madrid have confirmed.
When will Raúl Asencio be back in Real Madrid action?
“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 in a statement on Friday.
Madrid’s medical update did not offer a timeline on the defender’s recovery.
However, AS understands that Asencio has been completely ruled out of Madrid’s LaLiga clash at home to Getafe on Monday, Mar. 2, and is expected to return to availability for Los Blancos’ league visit to Celta Vigo on Saturday, Mar. 7.
As AS reported on Thursday, player and club have stressed that they will run no risks with his rehabilitation.
Asencio's medical report.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) February 27, 2026
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 pitch, 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. However, even before Madrid issued Friday’s medical report, such concerns had been eased by the results of preliminary tests carried out at hospital on Wednesday night.
“It was just a scare!” Asencio wrote on social media early on Thursday morning. “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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