Blow for Real Madrid: Dean Huijsen suffers a setback.

Real Madrid have been dealt another setback during their preseason preparations after defender Dean Huijsen suffered a muscle injury in his right leg. The Spanish center-back is expected to be sidelined for approximately two weeks, ruling him out of the club’s upcoming friendly against Fiorentina.

According to reports from the Spanish press, Huijsen sustained a minor muscle tear during training, forcing the club’s medical staff to immediately place him on a recovery program. While the injury is not considered serious, it adds to a growing list of physical problems that have affected the defender since his arrival in Madrid.

A Worrying Pattern of Muscle Injuries

Huijsen’s latest setback continues an unfortunate trend that has followed him throughout his first season at Real Madrid. Since joining the Spanish giants, the young defender has struggled to maintain consistent fitness due to recurring muscular issues.

His first injury came in October 2025 when he suffered a problem with his left soleus muscle. Just one month later, he experienced discomfort in his calf, limiting his availability once again. In January, muscle overload forced him to miss additional matches before another calf injury, this time in his right leg, sidelined him in February.

With this latest muscle tear, Huijsen‘s medical record has become increasingly concerning. During his debut campaign at Real Madrid, he missed a total of 15 matches because of various physical setbacks, raising questions about his long-term durability despite his undeniable talent.

Real Madrid Still Waiting for a Full Return on Their Investment

Real Madrid secured Huijsen’s signature in 2025 after triggering his £50 million release clause at Bournemouth, a deal worth approximately €58 million. The transfer was viewed as a major investment in one of Europe’s most promising young central defenders.

Since arriving at the Santiago Bernabéu, Huijsen has made 45 appearances across all competitions. He also featured in five matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, demonstrating the confidence the coaching staff initially placed in him.

However, despite showing flashes of quality early in the season, his performances gradually became less convincing. Injuries repeatedly interrupted his rhythm, preventing him from establishing the consistency expected from a starting defender at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

International Setback

Huijsen’s inconsistent campaign also had consequences at international level. His performances and recurring fitness issues ultimately saw him left out of Spain’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente instead selected defenders Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Pubill, and Eric García. Although the coach never publicly stated that Huijsen’s omission was solely due to his declining form, his lack of continuity and repeated injuries undoubtedly affected his chances of making the final squad.

A Crucial Recovery Ahead

🚨 OFFICIAL: Dean Huijsen is OUT of Fiorentina match. ❌ pic.twitter.com/OG0J0HIDdD

— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) July 31, 2026

Real Madrid’s medical team will now focus on ensuring that Huijsen returns without rushing the recovery process. The club remains confident that the injury is relatively minor, but they are determined to avoid another relapse that could jeopardize the defender’s development.

With the new season approaching rapidly, Huijsen will be hoping this latest setback is only a temporary obstacle. The talent that convinced Real Madrid to invest heavily in him remains unquestioned, but maintaining his fitness will now be just as important as improving his performances on the pitch. If he can finally put his injury problems behind him, the 21-year-old still has every opportunity to become a key figure in Real Madrid’s defense for years to come.