Ceballos's Injury Severely Affects Raúl Asencio, Ancelotti Has Already Spoken With Him

One of the most unexpected absences Real Madrid has suffered is the injury of Dani Ceballos. The merengue footballer left the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinals against Real Sociedad early, a circumstance that will sideline him for two months. The "injury to the semimembranosus muscle with tendon involvement in the right leg", states the medical report, changes all the plans of the Italian strategist.

Especially considering that there is another midfielder who is also doubtful for the upcoming matches: Fede Valverde. The Uruguayan footballer had played practically everything, with hardly any rest, until the semifinals match at Reale Arena. His absence seemed to be due to a well-deserved rest, but recent information points to possible physical problems.

No one wants to risk the full recovery of an essential footballer for Carlo Ancelotti. The South American '8' has stood out for his excellent versatility along the entire right flank, even playing as a full-back in the most challenging matches of the current season. Now that Fede Valverde is unavailable, the Reggiolo coach must find his most suitable and immediate replacement.

He might have found it in Raúl Asencio. The Canarian '35' is one of the positive surprises of the 24/25 campaign in the first team. Coming from Real Madrid Castilla, the Canarian defender has shown to fit perfectly at the level demanded by the European football elite even in the most demanding scenarios.

Forced Change

His good performances at Etihad Stadium and Anfield Road, despite the defeat suffered at the red stadium, have convinced the Real Madrid coach. The player trained at La Fábrica is an important footballer who, with the injuries of Fede Valverde and Dani Ceballos, has an excellent opportunity to expand his records. This is what the Reggiolo coach has indicated to him: "I'm sorry, but you're surely going to have to play as a full-back".

The coaching staff knows firsthand that the '35' doesn't have the right-back as his natural position, but right now it would be the best available option in the white locker room. Without Fede Valverde to act as Dani Carvajal, the transalpine coach prefers to place Raúl Asencio over Lucas Vázquez on the right side of the merengue defense.

The figures left by the young Canarian center-back somewhat support this decision by Carlo Ancelotti. The Reggiolo coach is also aware of the potential the defender has, offering him an opportunity to improve as a player and gain a very useful versatility in the future. By leaving Raúl Asencio at right-back, the composition of the Madrid defense would already leave few doubts for the merengue coaches.

With the '35' positioned on the right side, the opposite full-back would be caught in the debate between Fran García and Ferland Mendy. The center-back area, however, would be occupied by Antonio Rüdiger and a David Alaba whose performance is progressing better than expected. The recovery of the Austrian '4' has been completed in record time to the delight of the Italian strategist, who already counts on him for the most important commitments.