Real Madrid is confronting mounting internal frustration over a lengthening injury list and how player rehabilitation timelines are managed, with club officials pointing specifically to defender Raúl Asencio. fichajes.com reported that club hierarchy has grown increasingly dissatisfied with injuries clustering in the same positional lines, exacerbated by late decisions on surgical procedures and delayed recoveries across the squad.
Raúl Asencio Surgery Delay Sparks Internal Friction
The immediate catalyst for the renewed internal scrutiny centers on Raúl Asencio. Real Madrid announced that the defender will undergo a fresh surgical procedure that sidelines him for several months. fichajes.com noted that Asencio has not featured at all this season, and the club’s frustration is directly tied to the player’s initial choice to postpone the operation that ultimately became mandatory.
Defensive Shortages Mount for José Mourinho
Manager José Mourinho faces severe personnel shortages across the backline as domestic competition resumes. Dean Huijsen is unavailable for the return of La Liga due to a suspension earned following his expulsion at the Metropolitano. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konaté remains a major fitness doubt after returning prematurely from international duty with France. Eder Militão is also working his way back from injury, with club insiders indicating his rehabilitation will not be rushed to meet targets like El Clásico, according to OK Diario cited by fichajes.com.
Broader Fitness Concerns Across the Squad
The defensive crisis compounds a wider pattern of complicated fitness recoveries that have troubled the Bernabéu offices. fichajes.com highlighted that similar friction points have emerged around other high-profile squad members, including Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Álvaro Carreras, and Eduardo Camavinga. Real Madrid leadership is reportedly determined to address these recurring delays and divergent recovery paths at the root.
Mourinho Leads Real Madrid Reset to Reclaim La Liga Title
These fitness complications unfold against the backdrop of a significant structural reset at the club. fichajes.net reported that Real Madrid entered the 2026/27 campaign following two consecutive trophoeusless seasons. Florentino Pérez secured re-election as club president, and Mourinho took over the managerial reins with a clear mandate to recapture the La Liga title from reigning champions Barcelona. The summer transfer window was heavily weighted toward reinforcing the defensive line through four confirmed signings and five notable departures to support that championship push.
