Huijsen Out with Injury as Laporte Joins Spain National Team

Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen has withdrawn from the Spain national team for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to a calf injury, with Aymeric Laporte named as his replacement.

The Spanish Football Federation stated, "Huijsen arrived at the national team camp on Monday night showing signs of muscle fatigue."

"He did not participate in Tuesday's training session and a medical examination on Wednesday confirmed a muscular injury, with Real Madrid having been notified of the situation."

Real Madrid confirmed Huijsen sustained a calf muscle injury in his left leg, though no recovery timeframe was provided.

According to Spanish media, he is expected to return within 10 to 12 days, raising concerns about his availability for Real Madrid's La Liga match at Getafe on October 19.

The 20-year-old centre-back moved to Real Madrid from Premier League side Bournemouth this summer and made his Spain debut during the Nations League in March.

Laporte, who recently returned to Athletic Bilbao, was a crucial member of Spain's Euro 2024 winning squad.

Lamine Yamal, a Barcelona winger, and Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez had already exited the squad for the fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria on Saturday and October 14 respectively.

Spain currently lead Group E after securing wins against Bulgaria and Turkey in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the tournament set to be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer.