Xabi Alonso Faces Growing Crisis as Real Madrid's Injury Nightmare Deepens

Real Madrid center-back Dean Huijsen has pulled out of Spain's national team squad before their upcoming match against Türkiye following muscle-related concerns.

The 20-year-old missed La Roja's commanding 4–0 win over Georgia this past weekend after experiencing potential groin issues during training sessions prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture. Following additional medical examinations, Huijsen is returning to Valdebebas.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced the defender's removal from Luis de la Fuente's roster, stating their commitment to "prioritize the health and well-being of the player at all times."

Spain operating without Huijsen isn't unprecedented, however. The current European title holders have now managed without his services across the previous two international periods as the Real Madrid talent continues battling fitness concerns.

During Huijsen's unavailability, La Roja have recorded three straight shutouts primarily due to outstanding performances from Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí and Athletic Club's Aymeric Laporte. These two defenders aim to continue their excellent displays when Spain meets Türkiye in their final fixture of the year.

Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid Confronted With Expanding Injury Crisis

Huijsen adds to an expanding roster of Real Madrid players compelled to exit the November international period. Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga returned early from France duty, while Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde also sat out international commitments due to physical setbacks.

Furthermore, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Franco Mastantuono are dealing with hamstring and groin problems respectively, joining extended absentees Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal in the treatment room. Real Madrid's escalating fitness troubles have left Xabi Alonso concerned about his available personnel for the forthcoming encounter with Elche on Sunday, Nov. 23.

The Spanish manager faces pressure to restore his team's winning momentum following consecutive matches where they dropped valuable points before the international pause. With merely three points dividing Real Madrid and Barcelona, the 15-time champions have minimal margin for mistakes at the summit of La Liga.

The positive aspect for Los Blancos is that Elche's most recent league triumph occurred on Sept. 28, positioning Alonso's squad as strong favorites despite their depleted roster due to injuries.