Injured Real Madrid defender to travel to Barcelona to support teammates in El Clasico

Injured Real Madrid defender to travel to Barcelona to support teammates in El Clasico Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio has decided to travel to Barcelona to support his teammates ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico, despite being ruled out of the crucial meeting through injury.  According to a report from AS , the centre-back does not want to miss the occasion and intends to be with the squad as Los Blancos prepare for one of their biggest fixtures of the season at Camp Nou. Asencio will be unavailable on the pitch, but his decision to make the trip shows his desire to support the team during a demanding moment in the campaign. Asencio travels to Barcelona to back Real Madrid teammates With Real Madrid preparing to face Barcelona without him, Asencio has chosen to show his support in person rather than watch the contest from a distance.  The defender’s presence is intended to help rally his teammates before a match in which every contribution could matter. Raul Asencio will support his teammates in Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) His absence is an unfortunate setback, particularly given that he had been in line to make his first appearance of the season after the most recent international break.  Instead, Real Madrid must manage the defensive situation without him for the Clasico. The timing is frustrating for Asencio, who will have to watch one of the campaign’s most important matches from the sidelines.  However, travelling to Barcelona gives him the chance to remain close to the group and offer support away from the pitch. Real Madrid defender targets December return While missing the Clasico, Asencio is continuing to work towards his return, with his recovery progressing well.  Asencio is hoping to make his comeback in December. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images) As such, the defender is seeking to shorten his recovery timeline and has set his sights on returning for Real Madrid ‘s first Copa del Rey match of the season. That fixture is expected to take place on December 16, although the date remains subject to confirmation.  Asencio understands that returning within roughly three months will be difficult, but he is aiming to be available for the cup opener. His recovery will depend on how his condition develops, meaning the target should be viewed as an ambition rather than a guaranteed comeback date.