Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio is likely going under the knife, and that news just dropped like a bomb right before the biggest game on the calendar: El Clasico against FC Barcelona. This isn’t just some nagging bruise either. We are talking about a broken tibia that has been dogging the guy since January, and now, it looks like he is finally headed for surgery. Get ready, soccer fans, because October 25 at Spotify Camp Nou is going to be absolutely insane.
Asencio’s Long Road Back, Then This Twist
This isn’t a fresh injury; Asencio has been battling this broken tibia since January, trying to manage it with conservative treatment. You gotta respect the grind, right? Trying to avoid surgery and play through it. But MARCA reports that it hasn’t improved as expected, and now, surgery is the probable next step. If he goes under the knife, we are looking at two to three months on the sidelines. That absolutely rules him out of the first El Clasico of the season. The kid hasn’t even played a minute this season because of issues on and off the field. The source says his absence won’t be a “big blow” to Real Madrid, but come on, every piece counts in a Clasico. Plus, it just adds to a growing list of concerns for Real Madrid’s backline. Eder Militao isn’t fully recovered yet, and Ibrahima Konate just picked up an injury during the international break. That’s not ideal preparation for the biggest rivalry in the sport.
Barcelona’s Hot Start and Their Own Growing Injury List
FC Barcelona, meanwhile, has been on an absolute tear to start the 2026/27 season, winning all eight of their matches: seven in La Liga and one in the UEFA Champions League. Hansi Flick’s squad is absolutely flying right now, and they are hungry for bragging rights against their rivals. But even with their stellar form, they are staring down some huge challenges after the international break, including that UCL clash against PSG and, of course, El Clasico. Barca isn’t without its own injury headaches either. Roony Bardghji is out with an ACL rupture, and Andreas Christensen got banged up earlier this month. The big question for them is Frenkie de Jong, who is expected to resume training after the international break. Will he be ready to roll for the Clasico? That’s still a huge TBD. And Raphinha just picked up some discomfort playing for Brazil against Australia. You just know the Catalans are holding their breath on that one, hoping it is nothing major.
With both sides dealing with key absences, this October 25th El Clasico at Spotify Camp Nou just got a whole lot more unpredictable. Barcelona wants to keep their perfect season rolling and grab those bragging rights, but Real Madrid will be desperate to make a statement, even with their defensive struggles. You absolutely cannot miss this one!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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