Asencio sees an unexpected door open

Real Madrid C.F.

The Canary Islands centre-back has gone through especially turbulent weeks away from the pitch. Along with his off-field problems, he also suffered a muscle injury during pre-season, although his conduct during his recovery and his daily work have earned public praise from Mourinho.

Asencio was sentenced after being caught driving in Gran Canaria with a blood alcohol level of 0.90. The ruling includes a fine of 14,400 euros and eight months without a driving licence. The incident took place in the early hours of 16 August, when the player was injured and was not going to take part in the friendly against Schalke.

The incident also had internal consequences. Real Madrid decided to open a case file against him for conduct that affected the club's reputation, although it has not emerged whether the procedure ended with any sanction.

Meanwhile, the defender has moved past the legal proceedings related to the circulation of an intimate video involving a minor. Asencio obtained pardons from both victims, acknowledged his mistake and was ultimately acquitted after the trial was held. Afterwards, he spoke out on social media, where he also apologized for the alcohol reading.

Mourinho has publicly separated the player's behaviour away from football from his professional involvement. The Portuguese coach highlighted his attitude during training and his recovery: “When he was fit, nobody trained more or better than him. And when he has been injured, he is the first to arrive and the last to leave. It is extreme dedication to his recovery”.

At the same time, the coach showed his displeasure about the off-field episodes: “A Real Madrid player is a Real Madrid player 24 hours a day. Seven days a week. And twelve months a year. I'm not happy. We all make mistakes, but accumulated mistakes... That's different”.

Absences change the picture for Asencio

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Raúl Asencio
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His sporting situation has also not been straightforward. The arrival of new centre-backs had placed Asencio in a secondary position in the squad, to the point that he appeared among the possible departures during the summer. With everyone available, Mourinho has Konaté, Rüdiger, Huijsen and Militao ahead of him.

The immediate situation is different. Huijsen will miss the game due to suspension after his sending off in the derby, while Konaté returned from the France camp with physical problems and is a serious doubt. Militao, meanwhile, continues his recovery process.

That scenario could bring the Canary Islands player closer to the starting XI against Villarreal. Mourinho may have to pair Rüdiger and Asencio as his centre-back partnership if Konaté is ultimately not available.

The defender has already been included in three matchday squads this season, although he has yet to step onto the pitch. His next chance could come on 10 October at the Santiago Bernabéu, precisely against the Castellón-based side.