Asencio is a week ahead of schedule. Málaga return now possible

The initial forecasts pointed towards a return in mid-September. Raúl Asencio could now make it back before August is over. According to AS, the Real Madrid defender is around one week ahead of schedule and has a chance of being included in the squad to face Málaga on Sunday.

Asencio suffered a muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his right leg at the end of July. Real Madrid did not provide an official recovery period, stating only that his condition would continue to be monitored. Reports in Spain suggested an absence of approximately six weeks, which would have kept him out until the middle of September.

His recovery is progressing faster than expected. AS reports that Asencio completed part of Monday’s session with the team and is expected to resume full group training on Thursday. If he responds well to the increased workload, José Mourinho could include him in the squad for Sunday’s match against Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 CEST.

There is an important qualification. Real Madrid’s official report from Monday’s session listed Asencio among the players who trained individually. A possible return against Málaga is therefore the current plan reported by AS, not a confirmed decision from the coaching or medical staff. Wednesday’s game against Real Sociedad will almost certainly come too soon.

The defender’s accelerated recovery has reportedly been helped by the additional hours he has spent in the gym and working with the club’s physiotherapists. Asencio entered pre-season determined to convince Mourinho that he still deserved a place despite the increased competition in defence. That intensity contributed to his injury, but it is also driving his attempt to return ahead of schedule.

The muscle problem is not his only physical concern. AS states that the 23-year-old is still managing a tibial fissure that did not completely heal last season. He is following conservative treatment and has been using special footwear that has significantly reduced the pain. Surgery would only be considered if the condition worsens over the coming months.

Even if Asencio receives a call-up for the Málaga match, a place in the starting line-up would be far from guaranteed. Mourinho can also choose from Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen in central defence. Asencio’s ability to cover at right-back gives him another route into the team.

He has not yet received medical clearance and his return remains unconfirmed. The progress is clear, however: a comeback initially expected in September could now arrive in Real Madrid’s final match of August. Asencio has not beaten the injury yet, but he has already beaten the original schedule.

Sources: AS · Real Madrid’s official medical report · Monday’s official training report