Real Madrid: Dean Huijsen returns to the treatment room

Dean Huijsen will miss the friendly match against Fiorentina. This new setback further confirms his muscular fragility, which has emerged during his debut season in Madrid.

Preparations for Real Madrid are becoming even more complicated. Indeed, Dean Huijsen has returned to the treatment room due to a minor muscle tear in his right leg. According to Marca, the defender will be out for around two weeks and will therefore not feature in the friendly against Fiorentina.

Recurring muscle problems

This injury adds to an already lengthy history. In October 2025, Huijsen suffered an injury to his left soleus, followed by further discomfort in his calf in November. Muscle overload then sidelined him in January, before a right calf lesion in February. Overall, his medical record shows 15 missed matches during his first season.

Dean Huijsen's first injury had already caused concern in Madrid. The player even admitted to playing some matches while not fully fit.

See also: Manchester City: Maresca shuts the door on Real Madrid for Rodri

An investment still to be justified

Real Madrid triggered his £50 million release clause, or around €58 million, to sign him from Bournemouth in 2025. Since then, Huijsen has played 45 matches in the Madrid shirt, including five at the 2025 Club World Cup.

Despite a promising start, his performances have gradually declined. Defensive hesitation and a lack of consistency ultimately cost him a place in Spain's squad for the 2026 World Cup. Luis de la Fuente opted for Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, and Eric García instead, even though the coach never publicly blamed the decision solely on Huijsen's dip in form.

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.

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