Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is having a pretty rough season, honestly. The young centre-back recently got subbed off at half-time against Rayo Vallecano. His performance was a real cause for concern, apparently. This just adds to a string of challenges for the Dutch-born Spain international. Huijsen has been battling injuries, suspensions, and now, some questions about his form on the pitch. It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for him so far.
A Season of Injuries and Doubtful Returns
Back in October, Dean Huijsen was dealing with a calf muscle injury. He missed Spain’s matches against Georgia and Bulgaria because of it. He also sat out Real Madrid’s game against Getafe. The club’s medical team had diagnosed him with a 12-15 day recovery period. Everyone hoped he’d be ready for El Clásico against Barcelona. He was even rested against Juventus in the Champions League, just to make sure. That was to avoid any relapse and get him in shape for the big Barcelona clash, ESPN reported. But things haven’t exactly gone smoothly since his return to action.
Discipline Problems Pile Up for Young Defender
It’s not just injuries for Huijsen, though. He’s also picked up some suspensions, which is never good. Back in September, he got a red card against Real Sociedad in La Liga. He pulled down Mikel Oyarzabal. Real Madrid tried to appeal that decision. But the Spanish FA rejected it, The Athletic confirmed. Coach Xabi Alonso thought it really should’ve been a yellow. He said Éder Militão was nearby, and Oyarzabal didn’t have full control of the ball. This red card meant Huijsen missed the Espanyol game.
Then, later, he got another red card. That one was against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. So he missed the semi-final match against PSG, too, according to Yahoo Sports. That’s a lot of time off the pitch for a young player who’s trying to make his mark.
Alonso’s Defensive Headaches Continue
Huijsen’s struggles are definitely adding to Xabi Alonso’s headaches right now. Madrid’s defense has been pretty hit hard this season. Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba are definitely out for a while. Rüdiger’s got a thigh injury from September. Alaba picked up a calf strain recently against Getafe. He’ll miss the Barcelona game too. Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also doubtful for big matches. They’ve been training, but the club is being super careful. They don’t wanna risk them at all.
Raúl Asencio is emerging as a strong option in defense. He could partner Éder Militão if Huijsen isn’t ready for a starting spot. Alonso might even play midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense sometimes. That just shows how many defensive issues they have to deal with right now.
Barcelona Also Facing Key Absences
It’s not just Real Madrid feeling the pinch, though. Barcelona also has a pretty long injury list heading into their upcoming fixtures. Raphinha is out with a hamstring setback. Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo both got injured on international duty recently. Long-term absentees include Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen. But Ferran Torres is available for the Clásico, which is good for them. And Andreas Christensen is expected back from illness. So, both sides are really struggling with player availability ahead of their big clashes.
All in all, Dean Huijsen is definitely in a rough patch. He’s been battling injuries and suspensions. Now, he’s facing scrutiny over his performances. Real Madrid will be hoping he can find his best form soon. They really need him, especially with so many other defensive players out right now.
Soureesh Datta 
Tanya Singh 
Baishali Karmakar