Real Madrid have confirmed that young defender Dean Huijsen has been diagnosed with a muscle injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg, forcing him to withdraw from Spain’s national team camp ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers. The 20-year-old center-back underwent medical tests at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training facility on Wednesday morning, with club staff expecting him to be sidelined for a maximum of two weeks—meaning he will miss at least one crucial fixture but could return in time for the season’s first El Clásico.
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Official Medical Diagnosis and Timeline
Real Madrid released an official statement confirming the injury: “Following tests carried out on our player, Dean Huijsen, today and assessed by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg.” The club added that further updates would follow as the recovery progresses.
Expected Recovery Timeline
| Injury Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Injury Type | Muscular injury to soleus muscle |
| Location | Left leg |
| Expected Recovery | 12-15 days maximum (approximately 2 weeks) |
| Tests Conducted | October 8, 2025 at Valdebebas |
| Medical Staff | Real Madrid Medical Services |
According to journalist Sergio Quirante, Real Madrid’s medical team expects Huijsen to be out for a period of 12-15 days at most. This timeline means the Dutch-born Spanish international will almost certainly miss the La Liga clash against Getafe on October 19, immediately following the international break. His availability for the Champions League fixture against Juventus on October 22 appears doubtful, though he could potentially return for the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26.
Circumstances Leading to Withdrawal
Huijsen had been called up to the Spanish national team for upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Georgia (October 11) and Bulgaria (October 14). He was the only Real Madrid player selected for Spain’s squad during this international window, highlighting his growing importance to La Roja following his switch of international allegiance from the Netherlands earlier in 2024.
However, the defender did not participate in any training sessions with the national team after arriving at camp. Sources indicated he was experiencing discomfort, and precautionary measures were taken to assess the issue properly. After undergoing medical examinations on Wednesday morning, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed Huijsen’s withdrawal from the squad, announcing that Athletic Club’s veteran defender Aymeric Laporte had been called up as his replacement.
Federico Valverde, the Real Madrid midfielder who was not called up for Uruguay duty during this international break, expressed surprise upon encountering Huijsen back at Valdebebas. “I just ran into Huijsen, I didn’t know what he was doing here,” Valverde told reporters. When asked about the nature of the injury, he confirmed: “I think so [it’s the soleus muscle]. In any case, I hope he recovers as soon as possible.”
Similarly, Raúl Asencio, another Real Madrid youth prospect, mentioned seeing Huijsen in the locker room and noted that the defender “was frustrated, they were conducting tests on him.”
Understanding the Soleus Muscle Injury
The soleus muscle is one of two major muscles in the calf, located beneath the more prominent gastrocnemius muscle. It plays a crucial role in plantar flexion (pointing the foot downward) and is particularly important for running, jumping, and maintaining balance—all essential movements for a professional footballer.
Key Facts About Soleus Injuries:
- Location: Deep calf muscle in the lower leg
- Function: Primarily responsible for plantar flexion and stabilization during movement
- Common Causes: Overuse, insufficient warm-up, muscle fatigue, sudden acceleration
- Typical Recovery: 2-4 weeks for grade 1 strains; 4-8 weeks for grade 2; longer for grade 3
- Risk Factors: Congested fixture schedules, inadequate rest periods, previous injuries
Soleus muscle injuries are relatively common among athletes who perform repetitive high-intensity running, particularly after periods of heavy fixture congestion. The injury typically manifests as pain in the lower calf region, often described as a deep ache that worsens with activity. Huijsen’s case appears to be on the milder end of the spectrum given the two-week recovery estimate, suggesting a grade 1 strain rather than a more severe tear.
Impact on Real Madrid’s Defensive Options
Huijsen’s absence, though temporary, represents a significant blow to Real Madrid’s defensive depth during an already challenging period. The 20-year-old has become an integral part of head coach Xabi Alonso’s tactical plans since arriving from AFC Bournemouth in the summer transfer window.
Dean Huijsen’s 2025-26 Season Statistics
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Starts | 9 |
| Minutes Played | ~810 (90% of available) |
| Matches Missed | 1 (suspension vs Espanyol) |
| Clean Sheets | 4 |
| Last Match | 90 minutes vs Villarreal (Oct 5) |
Huijsen has started nine of Real Madrid’s ten matches this season across all competitions, missing only the La Liga fixture against Espanyol on September 20 due to a one-match suspension following a red card against Real Sociedad. His impressive performances have established him as a regular starter despite his young age, with his calm distribution from the back and excellent positional awareness earning praise from coaching staff and fans alike.
The defender played the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s most recent match—a 3-1 victory over Villarreal on Saturday, October 5. This suggests the injury may have developed or worsened in the days following that fixture, possibly related to accumulated fatigue from a demanding schedule.
Mounting Defensive Crisis
Huijsen’s injury compounds Real Madrid’s defensive concerns, as Xabi Alonso’s backline has already been stretched thin by multiple concurrent injuries to key players.
Current Real Madrid Defensive Injury List
| Player | Position | Injury | Status | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dean Huijsen | Center-back | Soleus muscle (left leg) | Out 2 weeks | Late October |
| Antonio Rüdiger | Center-back | Thigh injury | Sidelined | Unknown |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Right-back | Muscle injury | Recovering | Late October |
| Dani Carvajal | Right-back | Muscle injury | Recovering | November |
| Ferland Mendy | Left-back | Previous issue | Recovering | Not Available |
| David Alaba | Center-back | Knee injury | Recently returned | Available |
Antonio Rüdiger has been sidelined since August with a thigh problem, robbing Real Madrid of their most experienced center-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are both recovering from muscle injuries of their own, limiting options at full-back. David Alaba only recently returned to full fitness following a lengthy knee issue that kept him out for months.
This injury situation places additional pressure on the available defenders and may force Xabi Alonso to adjust his tactical approach or rely more heavily on younger academy prospects during the upcoming fixtures. Players like Raúl Asencio or others from the Castilla squad may see increased involvement in first-team training and matchday squads.
Fixtures at Risk
The two-week recovery timeline means Huijsen will definitely miss at least one competitive fixture, with others in serious doubt depending on his recovery progress.
Affected Matches
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Venue | Huijsen Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 11 | World Cup Qualifier | Georgia | Spain duty | Withdrawn |
| Oct 14 | World Cup Qualifier | Bulgaria | Spain duty | Withdrawn |
| Oct 19 | La Liga | Getafe CF | Away | Almost certain to miss |
| Oct 22 | Champions League | Juventus | Away | Doubtful |
| Oct 26 | La Liga | Barcelona | Home | Potential return |
Getafe (October 19): This away fixture represents Real Madrid’s first match after the international break. Given the 12-15 day recovery timeline, Huijsen is almost certain to miss this encounter. Getafe typically proves a difficult opponent, making his absence particularly unfortunate.
Juventus (October 22): The Champions League clash against his former club comes just three days after the Getafe match. While Huijsen might be nearing fitness by this date, the medical staff will likely exercise caution before rushing him back for such a demanding European fixture.
Barcelona (October 26): The season’s first El Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu represents the most significant fixture of the month. If Huijsen’s recovery progresses according to the expected timeline, he should be available for selection, though match fitness might not be optimal after two weeks of limited training.
Huijsen’s Journey to Real Madrid
Dean Huijsen’s path to becoming a Real Madrid regular has been unconventional. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, he moved to Spain at age five and developed through various Spanish youth systems before joining Juventus’ academy. Despite his Dutch birth, Huijsen was granted Spanish citizenship in February 2024, allowing him to represent Spain internationally.
After making his name at Juventus and spending time on loan at Roma and Bournemouth, the center-back joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2025. His immediate impact has exceeded expectations, with Xabi Alonso showing complete trust in the youngster by making him a regular starter despite the presence of more experienced options.
Career Path:
- Early Years: Moved to Spain at age 5
- Youth Development: Spanish academy systems, later Juventus youth
- Senior Breakthrough: Juventus (2022-2024)
- Loan Spells: Roma, AFC Bournemouth
- Real Madrid: Summer 2025 transfer
- International Switch: Netherlands youth teams → Spain senior team (2024)
His performances have justified Real Madrid’s faith in him, displaying maturity beyond his years in both defensive positioning and ball-playing ability from the back—attributes highly valued in modern football and particularly important in Xabi Alonso’s possession-based system.
Spain’s Growing Injury Crisis
Huijsen’s withdrawal adds to Spain coach Luis de la Fuente’s mounting injury concerns ahead of crucial World Cup qualifying matches. The national team is already without several key players, creating challenges for squad selection and tactical planning.
Spain’s Notable Absentees:
- Rodri (Manchester City): Midfielder sidelined with torn ligament
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Forward unavailable due to injury concerns
- Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid): Defender withdrawn with calf problem
These absences represent significant quality missing from Spain’s squad, particularly in midfield and attack where Rodri and Yamal have been instrumental. Huijsen’s withdrawal, while less high-profile, still removes an emerging defensive option from de la Fuente’s plans.
Spain hosts Georgia on Saturday, October 11, at home before traveling to face Bulgaria on October 14. Both matches represent important opportunities to secure points in World Cup qualifying, making the injury situation particularly frustrating for the coaching staff.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Return
Real Madrid’s medical team will closely monitor Huijsen’s recovery throughout the international break. The two-week timeline provides a clear framework, though the club will prioritize long-term health over rushing him back prematurely.
Recovery Protocol Likely to Include:
- Initial rest and anti-inflammatory treatment
- Gradual mobility exercises
- Strength rebuilding for calf muscles
- Progressive running and acceleration drills
- Ball work and tactical training integration
- Final fitness assessments before match clearance
The fact that this appears to be a relatively minor soleus injury—rather than a complete tear or more severe strain—provides optimism that Huijsen will return within the projected timeframe. His young age and generally excellent fitness levels should aid recovery.
For Real Madrid, the challenge will be managing the upcoming fixtures without one of their most consistent defensive performers while ensuring Huijsen returns fully fit rather than risking reaggravation by rushing his comeback.
Read More: Lamine Yamal Playing Double the Matches of Iniesta and Gavi at Same Age, FIFPRO Report Warns
FAQs
How long will Dean Huijsen be out injured?
Real Madrid’s medical staff expect Huijsen to be sidelined for a maximum of two weeks (12-15 days) with his soleus muscle injury. He will miss the Getafe match on October 19 and potentially the Juventus clash on October 22.
What is a soleus muscle injury?
The soleus is a deep calf muscle crucial for running and jumping. Injuries typically occur from overuse or sudden acceleration. Recovery for mild strains takes 2-4 weeks, while Huijsen’s case appears to be on the milder end.
Will Dean Huijsen miss El Clásico against Barcelona?
If recovery progresses as expected, Huijsen should be available for the El Clásico on October 26. However, his match fitness may not be optimal after two weeks with limited training.
Who will replace Dean Huijsen in Real Madrid’s defense?
With multiple defensive injuries, Xabi Alonso may rely on Raul Asencio, David Alaba and other available center-backs, or potentially promote youth players from Real Madrid Castilla to fill the gap temporarily.
Did Dean Huijsen play in Real Madrid’s last match before the injury?
Yes, Huijsen played the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Villarreal on October 5, suggesting the injury developed or worsened in the days immediately following that match.
