Dean Huijsen Withdraws from Spain Squad Due to Calf Injury Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

October 9, 2025 – Rising Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has been forced to leave the Spanish national team camp due to a calf injury, dealing a blow to La Roja’s defensive preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The 20-year-old, who recently joined Real Madrid from Bournemouth, sustained a muscle injury in the soleus of his left leg, prompting his early return to the club for further assessment.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed Huijsen’s withdrawal, with Real Madrid’s medical team estimating a recovery period of up to two weeks. As a result, he will miss Spain’s matches against Georgia on October 11 and Bulgaria on October 14, as well as Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Getafe on October 19. His availability for the Champions League encounter with Juventus on October 23 remains uncertain, though he could return for the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona on October 26.

Aymeric Laporte has been called up as Huijsen’s replacement, bolstering Spain’s defense amid existing injury concerns, including the absence of players like Dani Carvajal and Rodri. Real Madrid’s medical staff are optimistic about a swift recovery, ensuring minimal disruption to the team’s busy fixture schedule.