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Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen could be available for the La Liga trip to Alaves on Sunday (December 14). The 20-year-old has been out of action since injuring his left knee in the 2-2 draw at Elche last month.
Huijsen has made 14 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos this season, contributing a goal and an assist. Both goal contributions have come in the league, where Xabi Alonso's side trail leaders Barcelona by four points after 16 games following a 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo at the weekend.
Madrid have been beset by injuries in the defensive third, with Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold being injured, apart from Huijsen, while Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia are suspended.
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However, as per Javi Herraez of Cadena SER (via Madrid Xtra), Huijsen could recover in time for the visit to Alaves, after missing five games, including the midweek 2-1 UEFA Champions League home defeat to Manchester City.
It remains to be seen whether Huijsen returns to the starting XI at the weekend after Alonso had included Joan Martinez and Victor Valdepena in the squad to face City.
"We need to keep believing" - Real Madrid boss analyses defeat to Manchester City
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso chose to dwell on the positives in the aftermath of the 2-1 UEFA Champions League home defeat to 2023 champions Manchester City on Wednesday.
Rodrgygo's first goal in 34 games gave the hosts an early advantage, but Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland struck in quick succession before half-time to turn the game on its head.
Analysing the defeat to Pep Guardiola's side, Alonso told UEFA:
"This was a tight game. Each of the sides were dominant in phases. They turned it round in a short space of time with their corner and the penalty, but we kept working, kept giving everything until my players' last breath - there’s nothing to reproach the team for after a performance like this. We are self-critical, but we need to keep believing, keep working and believe that the tough times will pass."
He added:
"It’s a clear objective for us to be more consistent regardless of which competition we play in or which opponent. This was a Champions League game, and we raised our level – concentration and tempo. We scored. We made chances, and we worked right until the last second. We need to take this and build on it."
Real Madrid have won twice in their last eight games across competitions, losing thrice, since a 4-0 La Liga home win over Valencia in November.
