With Dean Huijsen injured, Real Madrid now have 5 injured defenders

Real Madrid’s defensive crisis has deepened once again, as Dean Huijsen has picked up an injury, adding to the club’s already worrying list of sidelined defenders. The Spanish giants, who are battling on multiple fronts this season, now find themselves with five defenders unavailable due to injuries — a situation that has left Carlo Ancelotti with limited options at the back.

Huijsen, the young defender on loan from Juventus, was expected to be one of the emerging figures in Real Madrid’s defensive setup. His impressive performances in training had even earned him praise from Ancelotti, who saw him as a valuable rotation option in the absence of key players. However, the injury has now derailed his momentum and left Madrid’s backline stretched thin.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Los Blancos. With Éder Militão, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Ferland Mendy also dealing with injuries or fitness concerns, Real Madrid’s once solid defensive line has been reduced to a patchwork of emergency solutions. Even though Nacho Fernández was relied upon in previous seasons, his departure has made things even more complicated for Ancelotti’s squad.

For a team that prides itself on defensive solidity, this is a major setback. Ancelotti may now be forced to turn to academy players or experiment with tactical adjustments, such as deploying midfielders in defensive roles — something he has done in past crises. The Italian coach, known for his adaptability, faces yet another test of his tactical creativity.

Fans have been quick to express concern on social media, with many worried that the defensive instability could cost Real Madrid crucial points in both La Liga and the Champions League. The team’s busy fixture list only adds to the anxiety, as constant rotation and makeshift lineups could lead to further fatigue and potential injuries.

The medical team at Valdebebas has been working overtime, with a focus on ensuring the recovery of key players like Militão and Alaba, who are essential to Real Madrid’s long-term stability at the back. Still, the return dates for several players remain uncertain, leaving Ancelotti to make do with a thin squad.

Huijsen’s injury is especially disappointing because the 19-year-old defender was beginning to make his mark. Known for his calmness on the ball and intelligent reading of the game, he represented the next generation of defensive talent at Madrid. Losing him at this crucial stage halts his development and reduces Madrid’s options for defensive rotation.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid could consider entering the transfer market in January if the situation doesn’t improve. Several names, including young defensive prospects across Europe, have been linked with the club, but Ancelotti prefers to wait and assess the recovery progress of his current players before making any drastic moves.

Despite the challenges, there’s still a sense of resilience within the squad. Players like Aurélien Tchouaméni have shown versatility by filling in at centre-back when needed, and the midfield’s work rate has been crucial in protecting the weakened defence. However, as the season intensifies, Madrid’s depth will be put to the ultimate test.

Real Madrid fans can only hope that this string of injuries ends soon, as the club’s ambitions depend heavily on defensive stability. For now, though, with Dean Huijsen joining the growing list of absentees, Los Blancos’ defensive problems have become a genuine cause for concern.

The situation paints a worrying picture for Ancelotti and his staff, who must now navigate through a period of uncertainty with creativity, patience, and perhaps a touch of luck. The countdown to recovery has begun — and Madrid’s title hopes could depend on how quickly their defenders return to action.