Clasico Countdown: Will Din Hoysín Boomerang Back in Time for the Big Match?

Injury creates suspense ahead of the Clasico

Din Hoysín, the Real Madrid and Spain defender, was ruled out of the Roja’s squad in October due to a muscular injury, a setback confirmed by medical evaluations from the Spanish federation and Real Madrid.

The young center-back suffered a muscle strain on the sole of his left leg and had hoped to be fit for the Clasico scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

Currently, Hoysín remains out of group training and is officially unavailable for the upcoming match against Juventus in the Champions League, yet he sent a cryptic message when asked about the Clasico during a press appearance.

Asked by the Spanish program El Chiringuito about his feelings before the Clasico, Hoysín said, “I think I know what will happen, but we’ll keep it as a surprise.” He also added, “Let’s see, everything is going well.”

Real Madrid will host Juventus on Wednesday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu in a Champions League encounter, while the club’s medical staff continues to monitor Hoysín’s recovery prospects.

Hoysín joined Real Madrid in the summer transfer window from Bournemouth and has quickly become a key piece under new coach Xabi Alonso.

Alonso’s dilemma

Alonso faces a headache in the heart of defense as he weighs two options to cover for injuries ahead of the Clasico.

AS reported that the 20-year-old Din Hoysín is racing against time to recover from a left-calf muscle injury suffered during the Villarreal match on October 4, which Real Madrid won 3-1 at the Bernabéu in La Liga.

The same report noted that the injury sidelined him from Spain’s squad during the October international window, potentially boosting his chances to feature in a Clasico if cleared.

AS indicated Madrid initially penciled in a two-week recovery period, but cautions lingered within the club due to the high risk of recurring injury in calf muscles. A full return to 100% readiness is required for Clasico participation.

The paper also observed that Hoysín has continued solo training, even taking some time off to travel to Málaga during his break, where he attended a second-division match in the stands wearing a Madrid shirt to root for the team.

Back at Valdebebas, he trains in the gym under the supervision of the medical staff, with a long road ahead to reach peak fitness for the crucial clash.

The recurrence risk for calf injuries remains a major concern for the medical team ahead of a match as demanding as the Clasico, and Alberto’s return will be measured against the risk of another setback.

AS highlighted that there is a real possibility Hoysín could be ready and will partner with Militao in central defense, if he proves his fitness, though other contingency plans exist in case he isn’t fully fit.

The report also mentioned potential lineup options: first, Raúl Asensio could accompany Militao in the center of defense; second, Álvaro Careríar could be slotted into central defense with Ferland Mendy moved to left-back. The latter option is considered less likely, but remains on the table while the team awaits a final medical clearance.

The same coverage noted that if Hoysín is not ready, Real Madrid could rely on alternative defensive arrangements, given the risk of calf-related re-injury remains high so close to a Clasico against Barcelona.

AS added that the injury trajectory for Hoysín remains difficult to predict—similar to recent cases like Carvajal or Alexander-Arnold—highlighting the challenge of recovering quickly from calf strains while maintaining form for the big test against Barca.

Meanwhile, the coaching staff is contemplating whether to push Hoysín back into action or opt for safer options elsewhere on the backline as the clock ticks toward the Clasico, which could shape Real Madrid’s entire approach to the defense for the match against Barcelona.