Raúl Asensio Returns to Real Madrid Training Following Hospitalization and Significant Weight Loss Ahead of Betis Clash

Raúl Asensio rejoins Real Madrid training after losing 7kg due to illness. See the latest on Arbeloa’s squad ahead of the Betis clash.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 1:19 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Ysscores

A Reinforcement for Arbeloa’s Defensive Line

The atmosphere at Valdebebas was marked by a significant boost on Wednesday as Raúl Asensio rejoined the first-team fold. The 23-year-old center-back has been absent from competitive action following a harrowing medical ordeal involving a severe bacterial intestinal infection. His return to the pitch, even in a limited capacity, provides a tactical lifeline for head coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who took over managerial duties in January 2026. As the club enters the final stretch of the La Liga campaign, the presence of the homegrown defender is viewed as a vital asset for a backline that has faced scrutiny during a challenging month of April.

The Physical Toll of Severe Intestinal Inflammation

According to reports from the Valdebebas training ground, Asensio’s recovery remains in its early stages after the player suffered extreme physical depletion. The bacterial inflammation was severe enough to require emergency hospitalization, resulting in the defender losing approximately seven kilograms of body mass. During the Wednesday session, Asensio was restricted to individual running drills on the sidelines, as the medical staff carefully monitors his re-acclimatization to high-intensity physical stress. While he is not yet expected to feature in the starting lineup, his appearance on the grass signifies the end of a concerning period regarding his long-term health and availability.

Navigating the Recovery of Courtois and Rodrygo

While the return of Asensio provided a morale boost, the medical room at Real Madrid remains occupied by two of the squad’s most influential figures. Both goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Rodrygo continued their specialized rehabilitation programs away from the main group on Wednesday. According to official club communications, the pair is still working through recovery protocols following recent injuries that have sidelined them during a pivotal run of fixtures. Arbeloa must continue to adapt his tactical approach without these pillars, relying on the depth of the squad to maintain momentum in the domestic title race.