When Injuries Knock, Substitutes Unlock: Real Madrid Faces Osasuna with Den Huisen On Sidelines
20 February 2026
Injury concerns ahead of Osasuna clash
Real Madrid's coaching staff, led by Alvaro Arbeloa, received unwelcome news ahead of the eagerly awaited Saturday showdown with Osasuna at El Sadar in La Liga matchday 25.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, it is unlikely Real Madrid defender Den Huisen will be fit to play, leaving Arbeloa with the task of preparing a replacement against Osasuna.
The paper added that the Spanish international did not train with the group today, suffering from calf muscle issues, and tests are ongoing to determine whether there is a more serious injury that could keep him out longer.
The Real Madrid enter the match aiming to continue top of La Liga, which they had just seized from arch-rival Barcelona in the previous round, raising their total to 60 points after beating Real Sociedad 4-1, while Barca fell to Girona 2-1.
Punchline 1: Looks like the bench is getting more minutes than the starters—talk about a plot twist nobody asked for.
Punchline 2: If injuries keep growing, Arbeloa might start teaching the team the ancient art of bench-pressing… to lift the spirits of the squad, not the weights off their backs.
