Real Madrid's squad have been criticised for haphazard performances throughout the season including a 4-2 loss to Benfica. Just when the team looked to have turned a corner they encounter a setback of disastrous proportions.
Dean Huijsen joined Madrid from Bournemouth last summer and was expected to be a key man in defense. He had starred for the Cherries in the Premier League and his displays convinced Florentino Perez to trigger his €59.5 million release clause.
The 20-year-old has struggled for form since arriving at the Estadio Bernabeu and this hasn't gone unnoticed by fans. It seems he has been playing through the pain barrier in his debut season.
Huijsen playing injured
Huijsen has appeared 24 times across competitions but did spend brief periods out with a muscular problem. He has featured regularly under Alvaro Arbeloa since the Spaniard replace Xabi Alonso as caretaker manager.
According to Diario AS, Huijsen has been dealing with calf pain and has spent the last two weeks addressing it. It's a concern given he hasn't been able to perform at his best, although his mentality can't be argued as he's shown a desire to play even through fitness troubles.
Its more of a reflection on the injury toll that has been a massive problem throughout the season. The likes of Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, and David Alaba have all dealt with injuries meaning Aurelien Tchouameni has filled in at center-back.
Huijsen should be praised for trying to play through the pain barrier but it gets to a point when the player needs to think about the long term repercussions. His worrying form is evidently coming as a result of a recurring injury issue.
Huijsen claimed he was fully fit
It seems the Spanish youngster may have been in denial about his fitness because he suggested he was over his injury problems. He told the media after a 6-1 win over Monaco:
“I have been in a lot of injuries lately. One after another. I'm finally feeling well physically. I've been playing in pain for two or three months, unable to sprint well. I'm now feeling good because the level I was showing was not mine.”
Huijsen needs to consider resting irrespective of Madrid's dissapointing season as a collective. It's better to have a player who is at full fitness and can play at their maximum level rather than one who is struggling through pain.