RCD Espanyol faces a challenge in defense with Raul Asencio's injury

RCD Espanyol faces a challenge in defense with Raul Asencio's injury, who could be out for several weeks. The Spanish club confirmed that the midfielder has suffered a leg injury. The injury comes after a difficult season for the young defender, who made 23 La Liga appearances despite battling several fitness problems. He missed matches after suffering a head injury in February before later being troubled by calf issues. Asencio had been hoping for a strong pre-season to establish himself in Real Madrid's defense, but the latest setback is expected to delay those plans. The defender has also been linked with a move away from the Spanish giants, with several Premier League clubs reportedly monitoring his situation. Real Madrid play their next match against ACF Fiorentina in a pre-season club friendly on Saturday at the Worthersee Stadion in Klagenfurt, Austria. Los Blancos' first La Liga match of the 2026-27 season takes place on Saturday, 22 August against RCD Espanyol at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona. With Asencio's injury, RCD Espanyol faces a challenge in defense, but the Spanish club continues working to find a solution. The 2025-26 season ended with RCD Espanyol in the 10th position of La Liga, with 38 points, 10 wins, 8 draws and 13 losses in 31 games, with a goal balance of 37 scored and 48 conceded (-11 goal difference). Real Madrid is 41 points behind the leaders of the competition.