Real Madrid defender Asencio suffers muscle injury

MADRID, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh muscle injury that is expected to keep him out until mid-September.

"After tests carried out today, Raul Asencio has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his right leg," the club said on its website.

Madrid did not provide a timetable for the 23-year-old's return, saying only that his recovery will depend on his progress. However, Spanish media reports estimate he will be sidelined for around six weeks.

The injury means Asencio will miss the remainder of preseason under new coach Jose Mourinho and is likely to be unavailable for Real Madrid's opening four or five La Liga matches.

Asencio made 34 first-team appearances last season but faces increased competition following the arrival of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool. Madrid has also been linked with Inter Milan center back Alessandro Bastoni, whose signing would add further competition in defense.

Spanish media have also speculated that Asencio could be included as part of a deal for Bastoni, although his injury may complicate any potential transfer.

Asencio is the second Real Madrid player to suffer an injury during preseason after young midfielder Thiago Pitarch sustained a training injury earlier this week that is expected to keep him out for around a month. ■