Huijsen misses out as Carvajal makes long-awaited return to Madrid squad
Dean Huijsen's injury woes continue as he's ruled out of Betis clash, while Dani Carvajal returns to the matchday squad after two months on the sidelines.
Real Madrid’s defensive concerns continue as Dean Huijsen fails to recover in time for today’s clash against Real Betis, while club captain Dani Carvajal provides a massive boost with his return to the squad after a lengthy absence.
Huijsen’s injury nightmare continues
Another day, another setback for the young defender. Xabi Alonso delayed naming his squad hoping Huijsen might recover, but the centre-back hasn’t made it after missing Saturday’s training session. It’s proper Barney Rubble for the lad, who just can’t catch a break this season.
This marks Huijsen’s fourth injury of the campaign, and remarkably his third in just six weeks. The numbers make for grim reading:
- Missing his 8th match of the season through injury
- Has played just 3 of Madrid’s last 9 games
- Already spent over 50 days on the treatment table this term
- First injury in October kept him out for 22 days
It’s a worrying pattern for a player trying to establish himself at the Bernabéu, and Xabi will be hoping this doesn’t become a long-term concern.
Captain fantastic returns
The silver lining for Los Blancos is the return of Dani Carvajal, who makes the squad for the first time in over two months. Having their captain and first-choice right-back available again is a massive boost ahead of the Spanish Super Cup.
Multiple absentees for Betis clash
Huijsen joins a growing list of players unavailable for selection against Betis:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Éder Militão
- Kylian Mbappé
- Brahim Díaz
Xabi has again called up academy products David Jiménez and Thiago Pitarch to bolster the squad, along with goalkeeper Sergio Mestre.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Mestre
Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Rüdiger, Mendy, David Jiménez
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler, Ceballos, Pitarch
Forwards: Vinicius, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Mastantuono