Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid star Marco Asensio was diagnosed with a major knee injury on Wednesday, the club said. Real Madrid announced on its website that Asensio was diagnosed with a "rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of his left knee," by the club's medical services. It added that the midfielder, 23, would undergo knee surgery in the coming days.
Asensio was injured in a preseason match in the U.S. against English club Arsenal.
The Spanish daily Marca reported that Asensio could be normally out for seven or nine months and would be unavailable to play until 2020.
Spanish international Asensio scored 27 goals and produced 19 assists in 135 appearances for Real Madrid since August 2016.
Asensio helped Real Madrid win two UEFA Champions League titles in 2017 and 2018.
He also won the Spanish top-tier La Liga title with Real Madrid in 2017.