Marco Asensio Faces Three Months Out After Revealing the Sacrifice He Made for Fenerbahçe
Marco Asensio is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery. The Spanish midfielder has explained why he kept pushing to play despite the risks and shared an emotional message about his recovery
Spanish midfielder Marco Asensio has undergone surgery on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined for at least the next three months, Fenerbahçe announced on Wednesday.
The Istanbul club confirmed that the former Real Madrid player underwent a procedure in Spain to address damage to the cartilage in his left knee joint.
"Our player Marco Asensio has successfully undergone arthroscopic surgery in Spain, under the supervision of our club doctor, due to an injury to the cartilage in his left knee joint. His treatment and rehabilitation process is expected to last approximately three months," the club said in a statement.
The injury represents a setback for the Turkish side, while Asensio now begins his recovery after attempting to continue playing despite physical discomfort.
Why did Marco Asensio choose to play through his injury?
In a statement shared on social media, Asensio revealed that he initially suffered the injury last season but pushed to return earlier than expected because of Fenerbahçe's ambitions in the Turkish title race.
The Spanish international acknowledged that he understood the potential risks involved in trying to get back on the pitch.
"At the end of last season, I suffered an injury that prevented me from playing for the rest of the season. Given the importance of our championship objective, I truly believed I could be on the pitch and help my team win the title. Knowing that this could involve certain risks to my health, I did everything possible to return ahead of schedule and help," Asensio explained.
His comments shed light on the motivation behind his decision to try to return to action despite the physical challenges involved.
"I'm someone who never gives up": Asensio opens up about his recovery
Asensio also revealed that the pain had become increasingly difficult to manage in recent weeks, eventually preventing him from continuing to play.
"I'm someone who never gives up and always fights until the end," he said.
After several weeks of discomfort, the midfielder and Fenerbahçe decided that surgery was the necessary next step.
"Over the past three weeks, the pain prevented me from continuing to play. So, at that point, we decided it was time to stop and undergo surgery. I've had difficult and frustrating moments, but I'm full of motivation and, starting today, I'm focused on working hard to return to the pitch with my teammates in front of all our fans. Thank you for your daily support and for giving me this strength," he concluded.
The midfielder now faces a rehabilitation period expected to last approximately three months, according to the club's medical update.
Fenerbahçe also lose Nathan Aké to injury
Asensio's absence is not the only injury concern facing the Istanbul club.
Fenerbahçe also confirmed that defender Nathan Aké, who was injured during Tuesday's match against Slavia Prague, suffered a moderate strain and swelling in the muscle at the back of his right thigh.
The defender is expected to be unavailable for approximately three weeks.
The Turkish club will therefore have to manage the coming weeks with both players recovering from injuries, although their expected return timelines are different.
Asensio's road back after putting the title race first
- Three months on the sidelines: Marco Asensio underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left knee and faces approximately three months of rehabilitation.
- A risk for the title: The Spaniard admitted he tried to return ahead of schedule to help Fenerbahçe challenge for the championship, despite being aware of the possible health risks.
- Another injury setback: Nathan Aké is also expected to miss around three weeks after suffering a thigh injury against Slavia Prague.
