Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio is facing several months out of action after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
The Spanish winger suffered the injury during a pre-season friendly involving the former La Liga champions and Arsenal at Maryland in the U.S. on Tuesday.
He scored the equaliser for Real Madrid minutes before his foot seemed to get caught in the turf as he tussled for possession with Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang at the 60-minute mark.
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Asensio was stretchered off with an injury coach Zinedine Zidane described as “worrisome”, and his fears were confirmed when doctors revealed the extent of damage to the player’s knee.
“After a test carried out on our player Marco Asensio by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of his left knee,” the Spanish club said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The player will be surgically operated on in the next few days.”
Asensio’s injury could leave a serious dent in Zidane’s plans for the upcoming season, and throw Dani Ceballos’ reported loan move to Arsenal in doubt.
It was reported in the British media that Ceballos is currently in London for a medical after the clubs agreed a deal.
Gareth Bale’s future also remains unclear after he fell out of favour with Real Madrid and Zidane confirming the club are “working on his departure”.(NAN)