International Break Devastates Real Madrid: Six Stars Now Sidelined with Injuries
Dean Huijsen has been sidelined from Spain's clash with Georgia on Saturday following complaints of a groin problem—marking the sixth Real Madrid star whose availability for the Elche fixture remains uncertain after the international window concludes.
Madrid are anxious about the condition of French pair Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga, who were both sent home by their national team on Friday after reporting fitness concerns.
The physical setbacks for Madrid boss Xabi Alonso persist as, according to The Athletic, Huijsen becomes the most recent player affected by a fitness worry.
Huijsen reported a potential groin problem during Friday's training session and has been referred for additional examinations to assess whether there's more than just discomfort. He'll sit out Saturday's World Cup qualifier as a preventive measure.
Spain haven't yet secured World Cup qualification but, with two qualifying matches left, find themselves in a commanding position to achieve it. Luis de la Fuente's team are assured of at least a playoff spot but face a decisive encounter with Türkiye on Tuesday to determine which nation earns automatic qualification.
Huijsen has been preserved in hopes of being available to face Türkiye next week, though medical scans on his groin issue will shortly determine whether he should remain with Spain or head back to Madrid.
Six Injury Doubts for Madrid
Madrid emerge from the international period to meet Elche, with Alonso concerned about the fitness of at least six of his key squad members.
Prior to Mbappé, Camavinga and Huijsen, both keeper Thibaut Courtois and utility player Federico Valverde were compelled to pull out of international assignments due to injuries.
Promising midfielder Franco Mastantuono is dealing with a groin complaint comparable to Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, with medical personnel developing a strategy to handle his ongoing fitness.
Among the group, Mastantuono's participation against Elche seems most questionable. There's actually optimism that Courtois and Valverde will both be ready to play, and hopes remain that Mbappé is simply receiving additional rest and treatment for his ankle issue.
Camavinga and Huijsen will both require further examinations to establish how serious their injuries are, though there seems to be early optimism that neither has sustained anything especially severe.