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Huisen’s Setback Deepens Real Madrid’s Injury Worries Ahead of a Crucial Run

17 November 2025

Huisen’s Setback Deepens Real Madrid’s Injury Worries Ahead of a Crucial Run
Huisen faces another injury setback as Real Madrid prepares for a dense run of fixtures.

Injury setback hits Huisen again amid a crucial run

Real Madrid have suffered another setback ahead of a decisive stretch this season, after young defender Dien Huisen was forced to withdraw from the Spain national team camp due to renewed muscle discomfort.

According to the global outlet Goal, this setback has raised concerns about the possible return of his prior leg muscle injury that kept him off the pitch in October, leaving Real Madrid to monitor his condition closely to prevent a worsening.

Huisen's Return to Madrid After Another Setback

The Spain national team confirmed Huisen left the camp after feeling renewed muscle discomfort, having missed the match against Georgia last Saturday.

Initial tests by the team’s medical staff indicated he was not fit to complete the international window.

Thus Huisen will immediately return to Valdebebas for a full battery of tests under Real Madrid's medical staff to determine whether this is a new issue or a relapse of the previous calf injury.

He will miss Spain's upcoming match against Turkey tomorrow, and will not participate in any part of the international window.

Injury History and Huisen's Previous Recovery

The current setback stems from a soleus calf muscle tear he suffered during Spain's camp in October. The injury occurred during training, forcing him to withdraw before World Cup qualifiers.

Real Madrid confirmed at the time that it was a minor tear requiring rest and a dedicated rehabilitation plan, keeping him out of the matches against Getafe and Juventus.

During Huisen's absence, Real Madrid leaned on Eder Militao and Marco Asensio to shore up the defense, and Dien returned to full training ahead of the season's first Clasico on October 26, taking part without any complications.

Added pressure on Real Madrid

Huisen's setback comes at a time when Madrid's ranks were thinning as several players pulled out of international duty early this month, with Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga returning from the French national team ahead of their latest World Cup qualifying match against Azerbaijan.

Mbappe continues to deal with a recurrent right ankle issue, shown after France's 4-0 win over Ukraine, where he scored twice and reached 400 goals in his career. Despite taking part in the match, the French federation and Real Madrid decided to send him back for further checks, with France stating the decision was precautionary and there is no serious injury.

As for Camavinga, he did not train all week due to hamstring discomfort in his left thigh, and with no improvement and Khephren Thuram covering his midfield position, he was deemed unfit for the two matches and sent back to Spain, to recover in time for facing Ishie in La Liga on November 23.

Preparations for the Upcoming Period

Manager Xabi Alonso faces a major challenge in steering Real Madrid through the coming weeks, with the likelihood of Huisen, Mbappe, and Camavinga missing from the lineup.

The medical tests on Huisen will determine whether he will need a short period of rest or a longer rehabilitation similar to what happened in October.

Real Madrid will resume the season with a clash against Elche on November 23, followed by a crucial Champions League tie with Olympiakos on November 26, and then a league showdown to preserve the top spot against Girona on November 30.

Alonso may turn to Militao and Asensio to cover Huisen's absence, while midfield options will hinge greatly on Camavinga's readiness.

Real Madrid Sets Alaba a Critical Challenge

Real Madrid gears up for a decisive stretch with David Alaba, long seen as a defensive cornerstone, but now plagued by a seemingly endless string of injuries.

With his future still unresolved, the Austrian defender faces a big test: proving he can again become a trusted player after a period of absence.

Behind this is a pivotal contract issue that could affect his Madrid tenure.

Proving His Worth

David Alaba has struggled for several seasons at Real Madrid, fighting to regain the momentum that propelled him during his first successful year, a year in which he played a central role in the Champions League win.

But over time he has suffered numerous injuries, lost his rhythm and consistency, and has become physically off.

With his contract due to expire in June next year, 33-year-old Alaba is among the club's highest earners, and he knows he must be available regularly if he wants to secure a contract extension, according to AS.

That equation looks tricky, as Alaba has battled for years to climb out of a cycle of setbacks that has reduced his standing at the club. The defender now faces his biggest challenge in Madrid: to re-establish himself as a first-choice player before Real Madrid makes a final decision on his future.

Multitalented

David Alaba, the Austrian footballer who made his name with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and European competitions, then moved to Real Madrid to become one of the world’s top defenders, despite recurring injury challenges in recent years.

Alaba stands as a model of defensive versatility, captain of Austria, and one of the most decorated players of his generation.

Real Madrid continues to rely on his experience and leadership as they navigate a demanding schedule and uncertain injury timelines for several key players.

Note: If muscle memory could talk, it would probably remind Huisen that it hasn’t forgotten the October scare – and apparently, it remembers every stretch, too.

And on a lighter note: If injuries were a sport, Huisen would have a gold medal by now, but sadly the only podium he’s won is a spot on the physio’s chair. Guess that chair has tenure now, too.”

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Dien Huisen?

He withdrew from Spain’s training camp due to renewed muscle discomfort, raising concerns about a possible relapse of his October calf injury.

Will Huisen miss any Spain matches?

Yes, he will miss Spain's upcoming match against Turkey during the international window.

What is Real Madrid’s plan moving forward?

Madrid will send Huisen back to Madrid for comprehensive tests at Valdebebas to determine recovery steps, while the team adjusts lineup options for upcoming fixtures.