Asencio stays free and targets a Real Madrid debut

Raúl Asencio is dealing with a tough off-field situation, but Mundo Deportivo reports that the defender has been released and remains at liberty. The case gathered extra attention earlier in the summer, and took another turn after it was revealed weeks ago that he was detained by the Guardia Civil in Gran Canaria following a positive alcohol-breath test.

What’s happening around him

The outlet also explains that, up to that point, his situation was already complicated in sporting terms. He wasn’t part of Mourinho’s plans, and while he featured regularly in pre-season matches, he still hadn’t played a minute in an official competition game. Part of the reason was injury-related: he couldn’t start at full fitness.

A two-week window

With that injury behind him, Asencio has been included in three matchday squads (vs Rayo Vallecano, Elche and Atlético de Madrid), although he still hasn’t come on. Mundo Deportivo adds that he is the only player in the first-team group without any minutes, aside from some teammates who are out injured.

With the break approaching, he now has two weeks to keep working with an eye on getting a debut after the pause. The schedule in the return is packed: Real Madrid host Villarreal, travel to Roma, face Sevilla and Leipzig at home, and then play at Camp Nou against FC Barcelona with only 15 days between the first and the Barça trip.

Mundo Deportivo suggests that stretch could offer him a chance, since the defensive line isn’t suffering as many injuries as in the past, making it harder to force his way in. For now, though, Asencio remains “on the sidelines”… and his aim is to change that once the competition resumes.