Spain’s national team is going through a rough stretch, and people are starting to worry. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was dropped from the squad on Wednesday after picking up a muscle injury in training. The 20-year-old arrived at camp in Las Rozas already showing signs of fatigue, and after medical tests, he was replaced by Aymeric Laporte of Athletic Bilbao for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria. It’s the third injury-related withdrawal from the same call-up, following Lamine Yamal and Rodri. Those back-to-back setbacks have turned what once felt like a confident, stable group into one surrounded by questions about fitness and preparation.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Real Madrid had been informed and wished Huijsen a quick recovery. For the young defender, the timing couldn’t be worse. The injury stops him just as he was finding his rhythm and confidence, while Madrid quietly monitor his progress from a distance. Inside the club, he’s viewed as one of their most promising young players, and every minute on the pitch matters for his development.
Spain running out of steam
Luis de la Fuente suddenly finds himself short on options. Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s young star, had already been ruled out with fatigue after the Champions League game against PSG. That situation caused tension between De la Fuente and Hansi Flick, with both sending subtle digs about how the player was being managed.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, later said the forward was “suffering” physically. Then came Rodri’s injury. The Manchester City midfielder felt pain in his thigh during the match against Brentford, his third issue since last season, another reminder of how much load the team’s main players are carrying.
Madrid keeping an eye on the situation
From Madrid’s point of view, Huijsen’s injury fits into a bigger pattern. Players are being pushed hard by a crowded calendar that barely leaves time to rest. The federation said the defender showed signs of fatigue when he arrived, and that only adds fuel to an ongoing debate about how far top-level athletes can go before their bodies give out. The focus now is on getting him healthy again and back into form so he can continue growing with the first team.
Huijsen is just 20, still learning, still adjusting to the demands of elite soccer. The injury itself isn’t serious, but it’s an unwanted pause in his progress. To make matters worse for Madrid, he’s now the fifth player in their medical room and the fourth defender. Carvajal, Alexander-Arnold, and Rüdiger are already out. It’s starting to look less like bad luck and more like the cost of a schedule that never slows down.