A somewhat forgotten member of the defensive ranks at La Liga giants Real Madrid could be afforded his first minutes of the new season from the off in the club’s next outing.

That’s according to Diario AS, who highlight Raúl Asencio as the player in question.

Stopper Asencio is for his part yet to take to the pitch in the colours of Real Madrid this season. Owing to a combination of fitness woes, legal troubles and competition for places, the Spaniard has been forced to watch on from afar.

Amid a round of recent setbacks at the heart of Los Blancos’ backline, though, Asencio could be set for a sudden return to prominence over the coming weeks.

As per a report from Diario AS, with Dean Huijsen suspended and Ibrahima Konaté sidelined ahead of a La Liga meeting with Villarreal on the far side of the international break:

‘Mourinho may be forced to field Rüdiger and the Canary Islander against Villarreal.’