Madrid: Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a thigh muscle injury that is expected to keep him out until mid-September. However, Spanish media reports estimate he will be sidelined for around six weeks. Asencio made 34 first-team appearances last season but faces increased competition following the arrival of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool. Asencio is the second Real Madrid player to suffer an injury during preseason after young midfielder Thiago Pitarch sustained a training injury earlier this week that is expected to keep him out for around a month. Garcia is reportedly close to joining Fulham, where he could reunite with former Real Madrid youth coach Alvaro Arbeloa.