Real Madrid's Dean Huijsen withdraws from Spain squad due to injury; Aymeric Laporte called up as replacement

Aymeric Laporte has replaced the Real Madrid defender.

With six points from two games, Spain currently lead Group E in European qualifying, with Georgia and Turkey three points behind.

But now, the Spanish national team have confirmed that centre-back Dean Huijsen has left the squad after suffering a muscle injury during training and will return to Real Madrid.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano provides an update on the situation, stating that Huijsen’s muscle strain is not considered a significant problem.

After he rejoins the team, Real Madrid personnel will evaluate the central defence and run tests to ascertain the severity of the injury.

Spain confirms Dean Huijsen’s omission from the squad

In their attempt to guarantee their spot in the 2026 World Cup, Spain will host Bulgaria in Valladolid on next Tuesday after playing Georgia in Elche on this Saturday.

“Dean Huijsen has been withdrawn from the Spain squad due to injury ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Georgia in Elche and Bulgaria in Valladolid,” the press release from the RFEF read.

“The Real Madrid defender arrived at the national team camp on Monday night showing signs of muscle fatigue,” the statement continued.

“He did not train on Tuesday, and after his condition failed to improve, he underwent medical tests on Wednesday morning which confirmed a muscular injury.”

Luis de la Fuente, the manager of La Roja, has called up Athletic Club’s Aymeric Laporte to replace Huijsen. Laporte has featured in five games in all competitions since coming back to Bilbao.

Huijsen may be available to play for Los Blancos soon after the international break concludes, as it is anticipated that he will only be sidelined for one to two weeks.

Real Madrid will be hoping that the young centre-half is back as soon as possible, as they have some big matches upcoming and he has become a mainstay in the lineup ever since joining the club.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.