Real Madrid head to the Mestalla this Sunday (January 8th) and face Valencia in a must-win game for Alvaro Arbeloa. Not only is the Spanish caretaker manager under pressure but his side could be four points behind Barcelona by the time Los Merengues kick off.
Barca lead the La Liga title race and host Mallorca on Saturday knowing they can pull clear of Madrid for at least a day. It's a closely-fought battle between the El Clasico rivals at the top of the table with 16 games left.
Arbeloa's side have come under huge criticism for haphazard performances this season. That includes in defense where several players have looked vulnerable and can't afford to have a day off at the Mestalla.
Real Madrid star is at risk of the drop ahead of Valencia
There were huge expectations of Dean Huijsen when he arrived from Bournemouth last summer for €59.5 million last summer. The Spanish center-back was one of the Premier League's best defenders last season.
But the 20-year-old has faltered in the early stages of his Madrid spell, unable to replicate his impressive performances in England. He has struggled to become the warrior-esque presence at the back that the team requires.
Huijsen admitted he hadn't been at his best because of fitness struggles and claimed that he was now ready to kick on injury-free. That might not be the case because reports claim he has continued to deal with pain in recent weeks.
It's still early days to make a final verdict on Huijsen but the jury is out regarding his run in the starting XI. Antonio Rudiger will soon be back from injury and Arbeloa might opt to bring the veteran German into his lineup.
Raul Asencio is also handling injury problems but if it's a choice between the Madrid academy product and Huijsen then Arbeloa will undoubtedly side with Asencio. That's why this weekend game is a huge one for the summer signing.
Huijsen needs to prove his worth and put in a display that helps Los Blancos continue to chase Barca down in the La Liga title race. Anymore unconvincing outings will surely end up with him taking to the bench.
When is Rudiger back?
Rudiger has been sidelined since the 3-2 loss to Barca in the Supercopa de Espana final in early January. The German hasn't even made a single appearance under Arbeloa since he replaced Xabi Alonso.
The 32-year-old is reportedly "feeling comfortable for the first time in months", per Carrusel (via MadridXtra). He is set to make his return soon and could do so as early as this weekend against Valencia.
Huijsen might continue in defense because Asencio's minutes are being handled carefully because of his fitness troubles. But if all of Arbeloa's defenders were fit and available it might mean he faces time on the bench.