Real Madrid will enter the new La Liga season without one of their most talented young stars. The club confirmed on Wednesday that Asensio suffered an ACL injury in his knee, which will sideline him for the rest of the year.
Asensio suffered the injury in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on International Champions Cup. Shortly after scoring Madrid’s second goal of the match, the 23-year-old had a duel with Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after which he remained on the grass. It became evident that he suffered a more serious injury and ended up being taken off the field on stretchers.
“It’s worrying,” – said Real’s manager Zinedine Zidane after the match. “He’s gone directly to the hospital for tests but it looks bad.”
Following an MRI test the same day, Zidane’s fears turned out true. Asensio will have to undergo a surgery to repair damage in his knee and will be sidelined for six to eight months while rehabbing.
“After test carried out on our player Marco Asensio by the Real Madrid Medical Services he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of his left knee. The player will be surgically operated on in the next few days.” – said the team in an official statement.
Real Madrid considered selling Marco Asensio this summer in case of a “crazy offer,” hoping to collect funds required for their pursuit of Manchester United’s Paul Pogba. Asensio played 30 matches with Real in La Liga in the previous season, managing to score one goal and provide four assists. He also added two goals in Champions League.
