According to Asencio is last in Mourinho’s centre-back pecking order. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
His decline began in February and has proved difficult to stop. He has made just nine appearances since then, leaving him almost back where he started.
His return to group training on Thursday ahead of the upcoming match against Rayo represents a fresh starting point for the La Fabrica graduate.
Asencio’s objective is to wipe the slate clean and rebuild his position within Jose Mourinho’s squad.
A tibial fracture that began to affect Asencio at the start of the year was the first major setback.
Despite the problem, he refused to step away at a difficult moment for the team and continued pushing to remain available. However, the injury severely restricted him.
Then came his controversial disagreement with former manager Alvaro Arbeloa, which resulted in him being left out of several matchday squads.
One problem followed another, gradually overshadowing his season and eventually putting him on the transfer list.
Mourinho’s warning
Off-the-pitch issues have complicated matters for Asencio. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Pre-season and the arrival of a new manager did little to help Asencio recover his previous standing. If anything, his situation became even more complicated.
Further injuries disrupted his progress, while his
