Real Madrid have confirmed that Dean Huijsen is facing a short spell on the sidelines after suffering a muscle injury to his right calf.
The 20-year-old defender was diagnosed following medical tests on February 20, 2026, with reports from Fabrizio Romano via their official x handle and the club indicating he is expected to be out for around 5 to 7 days. The injury is understood to be minor, but it puts his availability for Real Madrid’s upcoming Champions League clash with Benfica in doubt.
Romano posted;
Dean Huijsen has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right calf, Real Madrid confirm. He’s expected to be out for 5/7 days, trying to be back vs Benfica as @JLSanchez78 reports.
According to the club’s medical update, Huijsen’s return will depend on how his recovery progresses over the next few days.
While some minor calf strains heal within a week, Madrid are expected to manage his minutes carefully to avoid any risk of aggravation, especially with the busy schedule ahead.
The setback has also ruled Huijsen out of Spain’s final World Cup qualifier against Turkey. National team coach Luis de la Fuente has called up Aymeric Laporte as his replacement.
This is another frustrating interruption for the young centre-back, who has dealt with similar calf and soleus issues earlier in the season.
Despite the injury concerns, Huijsen’s rise at the Bernabéu this season has been impressive. Softfootball reported that He has featured regularly in La Liga, helping Real Madrid keep several clean sheets while posting an excellent passing accuracy and chipping in with a goal and assists.
His performances have also earned him recognition as one of the finalists for the 2025 Golden Boy award, underlining how highly rated he remains across Europe.
For now, Real Madrid will hope Huijsen responds well to treatment and can return quickly, with the Benfica clash and a crucial run of fixtures looming.
