Marco Asensio could be out for up to nine months after a knee injury suffered in the pre-season defeat of Arsenal left his availability for the 2019/20 season in serious doubt.

Asensio innocuously challenged Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for possession with his standing left leg awkwardly jarred as he planted his foot to jockey the striker.

Initial scans confirmed the worst with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but Real Madrid doctors said deeper examination will be required to understand the full extent of the issue.

“We’re a bit concerned. It’s his knee, he’s gone straight to hospital for some tests so we’ll see,” said Real boss Zinedine Zidane post-match.

“But it doesn’t look good. It’s the downside of today for us, we’ve lost a player and we’re pretty gutted.

“We’re gutted for Marco and hope it will be the least serious possible outcome.”

The injury could have serious implications for Arsenal with Los Blancos attacker Dani Ceballos’ move to the Gunners now in serious jeopardy.

A loan move was expected to be tied up this week but with Real potentially a lighter on options next season, Zidane could be forced to utilise the Spain international.

Arsenal boss Unai Emery was asked whether Asensio’s injury would harm a perspective deal for Ceballos and he said: “I don’t know.

“Our target also was not to take injuries in that match, and they maybe have with Asensio.

“It [could be] bad news, for them and also for us. I don’t know if it can change something.”

Emery was also asked about the future of club captain Laurent Koscielny, who refused to travel to the US for Arsenal’s pre-season tour as he seeks an exit.

“I’ve spoken about him, with respect to him,” said Emery. “I tried to be with us in the position here and continue working and finding one solution between the club, between him and us.

“When he decided not to come here with us on tour, the solution is now only for the club and him.

“He decided to be out. I respect him but I have a responsibility, he has a responsibility, and the club have their responsibility.”

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