Real Madrid continued their preparations for Saturday’s La Liga game against Real Sociedad, where a victory could send them to the top of the La Liga standings.
As already reported, the training session saw some notable absences, including Kylian Mbappe, who did not take part in the group work for a second consecutive day.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo Goes were also absent as they continue recovering from their injuries.
Now, it has emerged that another important player was not part of the training session today.
No Raul Asencio in training
Indeed, according to journalist Melchor Ruiz of COPE, Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio was not training today with the group because of a flu.
The 22-year-old academy graduate has become a key player for Los Blancos in recent months, stepping up in a big manner in the injury-enforced absence of players like Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger.
Raul Asencio of Real Madrid
Asencio absent from training. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
So far this season, Asencio has played 27 matches in all competitions, even scoring two and assisting one goal.
It must be noted that the defender has been playing with pain and discomfort for several weeks now, having been dealing with a crack in his tibia.
Alvaro Arbeloa has been keen on managing the youngster’s minutes carefully, but the absence of options at the back has meant that he has had to keep on playing.
So, it remains to be seen if Asencio is granted a breather this weekend against Real Sociedad, especially with the player also recovering from a flu.
Dean Huijsen and David Alaba are available as options at centre-back, while Antonio Rudiger has also made his comeback to the squad. So, there could be scope for some rotation.