Real Madrid receives a defensive boost with Raúl Asencio’s return for the Bilbao match, though fellow defender Dean Huijsen remains sidelined with an injury.
Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio will be available for the club’s away game in Bilbao after recovering from a bout of illness, according to a report from Managing Madrid.
Asencio, who missed Sunday’s league fixture in Girona, has recovered in time and could slot into the starting XI if coach Xabi Alonso opts for rotation among his defensive line — especially with Antonio Rüdiger and Éder Militão only recently returning from their own injury setbacks.
Meanwhile, the club confirmed that Dean Huijsen will remain sidelined as he recovers from a calf injury sustained in the previous match against Elche.
Although the injury is not considered serious, Huijsen is still expected to miss the trip to San Mamés, with the hope of returning in time for next week’s crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City.
The return of Asencio provides some defensive cover for Real Madrid at a time when the team is under growing pressure to secure positive results.