Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen withdraws from Spain squad with calf injury | OneFootball

Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has withdrawn from the Spain squad after sustaining a calf injury, casting doubt over his availability for the club’s first El Clasico of the season later this month.

The 20-year-old was called up for Spain’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria but arrived at the national team camp on Monday showing signs of muscular fatigue.

He did not train with the squad and was later diagnosed with a muscle injury to his left calf following medical examinations earlier today.

Spain’s football federation confirmed Huijsen’s withdrawal and announced that Athletic Club defender Aymeric Laporte had been called up as his replacement. The statement also revealed that Real Madrid were informed of the player’s condition before he was released from the squad.

According to Real Madrid’s own update, tests conducted by the club’s medical staff identified a muscular injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg, with further assessments to determine the recovery timeline.

Despite the setback, Real Madrid remain hopeful that Huijsen could return in time for the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.

His participation in the league trip to Getafe on October 19 and the Champions League clash with Juventus three days later, however, appears unlikely.

Huijsen has become an important figure in Xabi Alonso’s side since joining from Bournemouth in the summer. The Dutch-born defender, who switched allegiance to Spain earlier this year, has started all but one of Madrid’s matches this season, missing only the win over Espanyol through suspension.

His calm distribution from the back and positional awareness have made him a mainstay in Madrid’s defence, which has already been stretched by injuries.

Antonio Rudiger has been sidelined since August with a thigh problem, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are both recovering from muscle injuries. David Alaba only recently returned to full fitness following a knee issue.

Madrid’s medical team will continue to monitor Huijsen over the international break, with his recovery progress determining whether he can feature in the pivotal run of fixtures that follows.

The club’s immediate focus remains ensuring the defender’s full recovery, with Alonso unlikely to take risks ahead of the demanding schedule that includes domestic and European commitments.