MARCO ASENSIO was left in tears after an injury saw the Real Madrid star carried off on a stretcher against Arsenal.Just three minutes after the Spaniard had scored to get his side back on level terms in the US, he was being taken off the pitch.
The 23-year-old appeared to get his foot caught in the turf at FedEx Field after an innocuous looking challenge with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.It’s not yet clear what part of his body he injured.But as he was on the floor, Asensio could be seen looking distraught.
Tears filled his eyes and he covered his face with his shirt as Real Madrid’s medical staff tended to him.Team-mate Alvaro Odriozola could be seen with a concerned look on his face as he spoke to the forward.As Asensio was carried off the pitch, he was still holding his hands to his eyes with a clear grimace on his face.
Down 2-0 at half-time, Zinedine Zidane brought on Asensio – and Gareth Bale – who changed the game.Bale, who has been heavily linked with an exit from the Spanish capital, poked home to level the scoring just ten minutes after his introduction.Alvaro Odriozola could be seen with a concerned look on his face as he spoke to Asensio.
Three minutes later, Asensio smashed in a smart left-footed strike after Marcelo cut back from the wing to make it 2-2.Eventually the game would go to penalties.Gareth Bale would miss his effort but Isco, Rahapel Varane and Vinicius all scored, while Granit Xhaka, Nacho Monreal and Robbie Burton missed.
PEP GUARDIOLA fears football’s “crazy” fixture calendar will “kill” players. Manchester City’s Algeria star Riyad Mahrez only finished LAST season FIVE days ago. And Etihad boss Pep is worried burn-out will lead to serious injuries. He has told his jaded players not to return from holiday unless they are physically and mentally ready.
Guardiola’s warning came 24 hours after Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp demanded a longer summer break to protect Premier League stars. And Pep raged: It’s a crazy schedule and it is going to kill our players! They have to rest.
I don’t want them to come back when they’re tired, or mentally not recovered from an incredibly tough season. We started a new season while Riyad Mahrez had not finished the last one.
