NEW YORK — Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio is facing several months out of action after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a pre-season friendly against Arsenal in the United States.

The Spanish winger scored the equalizer for Real in the second half before his foot seemed to get caught in the turf as he tussled for possession with Arsenal's Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang at the 60-minute mark in Maryland on Tuesday.

Asensio was taken off on a stretcher with an injury that coach Zinedine Zidane described as "worrisome", and his fears were confirmed when doctors revealed the extent of the damage to player's knee.

"After test carried out on our player Marco Asensio by the Real Madrid medical services he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of his left knee," the Spanish club said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The player will be surgically operated on in the next few days."

Asensio's injury could leave a serious dent in Zidane's plans for the upcoming season, and throw Dani Ceballos' reported loan move to Arsenal in doubt.

Sky Sports reported Ceballos is currently in London for a medical after the clubs agreed a deal.

Gareth Bale's future also remains unclear after he fell out of favour with Real and Zidane confirming the club are "working on his departure". — Reuters