Real Madrid have been handed a minor injury scare during the international break after young defender Dean Huijsen was forced to withdraw from the Spanish national team camp due to a muscle injury.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed the news, adding that the centre-back has now returned to Madrid for further evaluation.
While the setback initially raised concerns among the club’s staff, early reports suggest that Huijsen’s injury is not serious.
According to sources close to Valdebebas, the 20-year-old will undergo a series of medical tests to determine the exact extent of the issue once he rejoins the team’s facilities.
However, the initial prognosis is positive and the defender is expected to be sidelined for only one to two weeks, meaning he should be available shortly after the international break concludes.
Huijsen, who joined Real Madrid this season from Bournemouth, has made a strong impression with his composure on the ball and tactical understanding.
His absence comes at a time when Xabi Alonso’s side is already dealing with a congested fixture schedule, making any injury a potential concern.
Fortunately, the short recovery timeline ensures that the club’s defensive depth will not be significantly impacted.
In an interesting moment captured by El Chiringuito TV, Federico Valverde appeared surprised to find Huijsen already back at Valdebebas during the break.
The Uruguayan midfielder, who was not called up by his national team, said, "I just ran into Huijsen, I didn’t know what he was doing here."
When asked if the young defender had suffered an injury to the soleus muscle in his lower leg, Valverde responded,
"I think so. In any case, I hope he recovers as soon as possible," he concluded.
Furthermore, even Raul Asencio was asked about his compatriot, to which he said, "Yes, I saw him in the locker room."
When asked if there was a conversation between the two, he simply added, "No, he was doing the check-ups and stuff."