MADRID, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid central defender Raul Asencio has been diagnosed with a cervical strain after falling badly in his side's 2-1 win at home to Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Asencio landed awkwardly on his face after colliding with teammate Eduardo Camavinga in the 77th minute of the game and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace, before being taken to hospital for tests.

Although the defender posted on social media early on Thursday that the incident was "just a scare," Real Madrid confirmed his injury in its official website on Friday.

"After the tests carried out on our player Raul Asencio by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a cervical strain," reads the communique, which doesn't say how long Asencio will be out of action, merely saying his return to action is "awaiting evolution."

The news means Asencio will certainly miss Monday's La Liga game at home to Getafe on Monday and is a doubt for the following weekend's visit to Celta Vigo and the first leg of the last-16 Champions League tie which is at home to Manchester City on March 10.

With Eder Militao a long-term injury, Asencio's absence means Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has to choose either David Alaba or Aurelien Tchouameni as Asencio's replacement, although he will be loathe to drop Tchouameni back into defense after his recent positive displays in the middle of the pitch. ■