Real Madrid injury update: Latest on Dean Huijsen, two absentees for El Clásico

Dean Huijsen is set to play in El Clásico. The Real Madrid defender was left out of the squad for the Juventus match in the Champions League as a precaution, but he has recovered from the heavy strain he suffered during the recent international break and is expected to be included for Sunday’s clash with Barcelona at Santiago Bernabéu (10:15 a.m. ET).

Dean Huijsen’s recovers in time for El Clásico

Huijsen experienced a significant calf strain in his left leg that developed into a small tear, with an estimated recovery time of 12 to 15 days. The injury occurred during the early days of the international break, so his presence in El Clásico was anticipated, though concerns grew as he did not immediately return to training.

Recent sessions have confirmed to Madrid staff that Huijsen will be available, easing some of the team’s defensive concerns and providing Xabi Alonso with a key player for building from the back. The manager has shown that Huijsen is central to his plans: the Spanish international has started in all nine matches he was available for and played every minute in seven of them (substituted in the 89th minute in one and sent off after 30 minutes in another).

Asencio scare, veteran defenders out

After the Juventus game, Alonso declined to give a definitive answer on Huijsen’s availability, saying, “I’ll tell you Saturday.” Now it’s confirmed that Huijsen will be ready, along with Asencio, who left the Juventus match with cramp but did not require further tests and is fit to play.

Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba remain the only confirmed absences for Real Madrid.

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