Real Madrid head into their trip to San Mamés with mixed defensive news, and RMxtra can confirm a key boost as well as a frustrating setback.
On the positive side, Raúl Asencio is back in contention and expected to be available for the clash against Athletic Club. However, Dean Huijsen remains unavailable, with the young defender still not ready to return to action.
For a Real Madrid side under pressure to respond after an uneven run of results, this combination of good and bad news could significantly influence how Xabi Alonso sets up his back line in Bilbao.
Asencio’s Return: A Timely Boost for the Back Line
Asencio’s return arrives at exactly the right moment. Real Madrid have been stretched at the back this season, with constant changes in defence disrupting the team’s rhythm and chemistry.
With Asencio back in the squad, Alonso gains:
- An extra specialist defender capable of playing in central areas and helping protect the box.
- More rotation options, which is vital in a period packed with league and potential cup fixtures.
- Calmness on the ball, as Asencio is comfortable stepping out from the back and starting attacks rather than simply clearing his lines.
His presence also brings stability in training, allowing the coaching staff to work on specific defensive partnerships and patterns rather than patching things together at the last minute. For a demanding away ground like San Mamés, that preparation is crucial.
Huijsen Still Out: A Frustrating Setback
On the other side of the coin, Dean Huijsen’s continued absence is a blow to Real Madrid’s long-term defensive planning. The young defender has been viewed as one of the most exciting emerging options in the back line, combining physical presence with quality on the ball.
His absence matters for several reasons:
- Lost continuity: Just as Huijsen starts to build rhythm, another setback interrupts his progress.
- Reduced tactical flexibility: Alonso has one fewer defender who can step into midfield zones and help circulate the ball under pressure.
- Fewer rotation options: With tight scheduling, every missing defender increases the load on the rest of the back line.
For now, Real Madrid are taking the cautious route. From an RMxtra point of view, that is the sensible decision: Huijsen is a long-term asset, and forcing him back too early could risk a bigger problem later in the season.
Xabi Alonso’s Defensive Puzzle for San Mamés
San Mamés is never a simple away day. Athletic Club bring intensity, aerial threat, and a passionate crowd that pushes them for 90 minutes. With that in mind, Alonso’s defensive plan becomes one of the key talking points ahead of the match.
With Asencio available and Huijsen out, some of the likely implications are:
- Core partnership: The main centre-backs will carry even more responsibility, especially in dealing with crosses, set-pieces and quick transitions.
- Asencio as cover or starter: Depending on fitness and match rhythm, Asencio could either start or be used as a reliable option from the bench if the game becomes physically demanding.
- Emphasis on organisation: Without Huijsen’s ball-playing qualities, Madrid may focus more on defensive structure and compactness, making sure lines are tight and second balls are secured.
Alonso will also need his full-backs and midfielders to support the back line – tracking runners, doubling up in wide areas and helping play out from pressure.
What This Means for Real Madrid’s Season
Injury news is often about details, but these details can shape a season. The return of Asencio and the continued absence of Huijsen highlight two parallel realities for Real Madrid:
- Short-term: Asencio’s availability strengthens the squad for an important, high-intensity away match. Madrid will feel more secure knowing they have another trusted defender ready to contribute.
- Long-term: Huijsen’s situation serves as a reminder that squad building is about patience as much as planning. Real Madrid will want him fully fit for the decisive months ahead rather than risking setbacks now.
From RMxtra’s perspective, this Bilbao trip is an early test of Madrid’s depth, resilience and defensive maturity. If the team can show defensive solidity at San Mamés, it will send a strong message that, even with absences, this Real Madrid side can grind out results in one of LaLiga’s toughest stadiums.
Whatever happens in Bilbao, you can count on RMxtra to keep you updated with all the latest Real Madrid team news, analysis and reaction, straight from a Madrid-focused point of view and without relying on any external sources.