Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen has pulled out of the Spain squad for the October World Cup qualifiers after he suffered a muscular injury. Huijsen, who joined Los Blancos from Bournemouth this summer, has appeared in all of Madrid's matches, except for the Espanyol clash, where he was suspended. He also played the full match against Villarreal last weekend.
Huijsen out of Spain squad for October qualifiers
Huijsen was forced to pull out of the Spain squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifying games against Georgia and Bulgaria on October 11 and 14 after the Real Madrid medical team assessed his condition, and the centre-back was diagnosed with a muscular injury.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMadrid confirms Huijsen's injury
The official statement from Real Madrid read: "Following tests carried out on our player, Dean Huijsen, today and assessed by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to the soleus muscle in his left leg. Further updates will follow."
Huijsen a key figure in Xabi Alonso's squad
Under new manager Xabi Alonso, the former Bournemouth defender has established himself as a key member in the Spanish coach's starting lineup, as he has featured in every game for Madrid across all competitions this season, except for the Espanyol clash, where he was suspended after picking up a red card against Real Sociedad. In the club's latest 3-1 win over Villarreal last weekend, Huijsen played the full 90 minutes, but might have picked up the injury at the end of the clash.
AFPMadrid's injury crisis worsened
Madrid are already missing their right-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal, as both defenders have been sidelined with injuries at the start of the season. Now, Huijsen's injury further makes the situation worse for Alonso, whose side are currently leading the title race by just two points. Alonso will hope that the Spanish defender's injury isn't too serious and he recovers before Madrid face Getafe on October 19.