Real Madrid defensive ace ready for Clasico showdown against Barcelona | OneFootball

In a crucial update, AS reports that Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is all set to feature in this weekend’s El Clasico against FC Barcelona.

Huijsen sustained a considerable overload in the soleus muscle of his left leg during the international break earlier this month, which led to a minor tear and an estimated recovery time of around 12 to 15 days.

The injury occurred in the early days of the international break, so his participation in El Clasico initially seemed assured. However, as the days went by and the defender had not yet rejoined team training, some concern began to grow.

Huijsen ready

But, in a huge positive, Huijsen’s condition has improved in recent days after he missed the games against Getafe and Juventus. He is now confident of being included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ready for El Clasico. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The most recent training sessions have confirmed that Huijsen will be available, easing some of Real Madrid’s defensive concerns and providing Xabi Alonso with an important option for playing out from the back.

Alonso’s selection choices have already made it clear that Huijsen is a key player for him: he has started in all nine matches for which he has been available, playing every minute in seven (he was substituted in the 89th minute in one and sent off after half an hour in another).

After the match against Juventus, Xabi Alonso declined to confirm whether Huijsen would be ready, stating only: “I will tell you on Saturday.”

Now, it seems clear that the young defender, who has already become a key player since arriving in June, will be ready to make his El Clasico debut on Sunday.