Real Madrid have been missing Marco Asensio for months after he suffered a devastating injury in the preseason, but he is reportedly aiming to return in the Champions League knockout stages.
Although Real Madrid sit in second place in La Liga and thoroughly outplayed FC Barcelona in the last Clasico, it has been a tough season for them injury-wise. For example, Eden Hazard has been sorely missed over the past month, including against Barca. Marcelo and James Rodriguez were also dealing with injuries in the last month, while players from Isco to Luka Modric have suffered injuries this season.
But the main long-term absence for Los Blancos in 2019-2020 has been young attacking midfielder Marco Asensio. The Spain international tore his ACL on July 24 in a pre-season friendly against Arsenal, but he’s been pinpointing a return in the second half of the campaign.
According to a report from Cadena SER, via @Ultra_Suristic, Asensio’s recovery from this awful knee injury is, fortunately, “right on track”.
Asensio is trying to return for the Champions League quarterfinals, assuming Real Madrid are able to defeat Pep Guardiola’s Premier League powerhouse in the two legs in February and March. Per the report, Los Blancos are “optimistic” about Asensio’s progress.
Fans have been able to track Asensio’s recovery when reading the practice reports each week. While Real are loaded with attacking talent, Asensio can help Toni Kroos, Isco, Luka Modric, Eden Hazard, and others form an even more dangerous offense.
The 23-year-old had his best season in 2017-2018 when Real Madrid last won the Champions League trophy. That season in La Liga, Asensio recorded six goals and six assists in his first season with more starts than substitute appearances.
A technically solid player who can spice up the attack, Asensio’s return could be an X-Factor for Real in all competitions. Moreover, it will be awesome to see him back healthy and on the pitch, so here’s to hoping he’ll be able to make a return at that targeted Champions League date.