Real Madrid have received some positive news on the injury front after a week dominated by concerns and withdrawals from international duty.
Journalist Jose Luis Sanchez has confirmed that Dean Huijsen is not injured and is expected to be fully available for the upcoming La Liga fixture against Elche.
This update brings a welcome sense of relief to Xabi Alonso, who has been going through a complicated situation with multiple key players sidelined.
What happened to Huijsen?
The alarm bells had started ringing when Huijsen was forced to leave the Spanish national team camp ahead of their decisive World Cup qualifier against Turkey.
Before his withdrawal was finalised, the Spanish Federation released an official communication explaining the reason behind the decision.
“Dean Huijsen has been dropped from the squad for the final 2026 World Cup qualifier between Spain and Turkey due to muscle discomfort that already prevented him from playing against Georgia, and which his club has been kept informed about at all times.”
Dean Huijsen, Real Madrid player
Dean Huijsen will be available against Elche. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The discomfort reportedly began during Friday’s training session, and upon Spain’s arrival, the coaching staff opted to remove him from the matchday squad.
Huijsen’s withdrawal placed him among a growing list of Real Madrid players who returned from national duty earlier than expected, joining Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga.
Huge sigh of relief for Real Madrid
However, after undergoing detailed medical tests at the RFEF facilities, it became evident that there was no structural injury.
The examinations ruled out any serious issue, and current indications suggest that, provided he continues progressing positively, Huijsen will be ready in time for Madrid’s league encounter with Elche.
For Alonso, this is significant. With the squad currently stretched, particularly in defence, the availability of Huijsen means he can restore his preferred centre-back pairing alongside Eder Militao.
What initially appeared to be another blow for the club has, fortunately, turned into a rare piece of encouraging news in a difficult international break.