On the eve of El Clásico, Real Madrid receives devastating news!

A huge setback for the Spanish national team just days before their decisive fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Originally called up by Luis de la Fuente, Dean Huijsen has been forced to withdraw after suffering a muscle strain during a training session with La Roja. Medical tests conducted by Real Madrid’s staff confirmed a lesion in the soleus muscle of his left leg. The 20-year-old Madrid defender will therefore miss Spain’s upcoming clashes against Georgia (October 11 in Elche) and Bulgaria (October 14 in Valladolid).

To fill the gap, the Spanish Football Federation has recalled Aymeric Laporte, who returns to the national team after several months away. The Athletic Bilbao player will bolster an already-depleted Spanish backline, further hit by other notable absences. Indeed, both Lamine Yamal and Rodri have also left the squad with injuries, forcing the coach to rethink his plans.

Real Madrid, for its part, has stated that the length of Huijsen’s absence will be specified at a later date, with the player remaining under medical observation. This string of injuries highlights the physical vulnerability of Spain’s key players at this crucial stage, as the final stretch of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers looms.

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Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

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Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.