Zidane In No Need To Rush Asensio Comeback
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane says he does not need to rush Marco Asensio back into action after the Spain international’s return from a long-term knee injury.
Asensio returned to the Real Madrid squad for the first time this season in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Eibar in La Liga but was an unused substitute in Los Blancos’ first game back from the coronavirus-enforced break.
Asensio was expected to miss the entirety of the 2019/2020 season and EURO 2020 after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament damage to the left knee during a pre-season game against Arsenal last July.
The 24-year-old has however benefited from the coronavirus pandemic disrupting the footballing calendar and grinding the season to a halt.
"We're happy to have Marco back available and we'll take it slowly," Zidane said after goals from Toni Kroos, Sergio Ramos and Marcelo kept Real Madrid within touching distance of leaders Barcelona.
"We have lots of players, Asensio is in good shape and I'm going to use him. I wasn't able to today, but there are other games to come and he has to be ready just like any other player.
"I'll be counting on him."
Real Madrid return to La Liga action with a home game against Valencia on Thursday.
Asensio, who scored in the 4-1 win over Juventus in the 2017 Champions League final, appeared in 44 games in all competitions for Real Madrid last season, scoring six goals.
Real Madrid are two points behind leaders Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title while Los Blancos will also have to recover from 2-1 down if they are to eliminate Manchester City from the Champions League in the round of 16 stage.
