Real Madrid star center back Dean Huijsen has been a vast upgrade for the team in the 2025/26 season, and while they did miss him in the second leg of the Champions League vs. Benfica, the Spanish international is set to return in time for the Round of 16 against either Sporting CP or Manchester City.
According to a report from COPE, Huijsen will be fully ready for the Round of 16. In fact, they state that the star central defender will be able to make his return in La Liga on Mar. 7 against a dangerous Celta Vigo side, though he will miss the next game on Monday vs. the hard-nosed Getafe.
Real Madrid can survive without Huijsen vs. Getafe, but the more attacking men from Vigo is a great spot for his return. And most importantly, Real Madrid won’t be without him in the Champions League, as the former Bournemouth stud could be especially important if Real face Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, and the superstars of Manchester City.
Although Huijsen’s struggles against Atletico Madrid in El Derbi at the beginning of the season highlighted that he has a way’s to go yet in the biggest games, the young man is already one of the most valuable players in the Spanish capital.
Huijsen’s return news for the Champions League Round of 16 is even more crucial to Madridistas, because the other starting center back, Eder Militao, is still injured and won’t be back against either Sporting or Man City.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2010. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has run sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling.