Real Madrid star set for immediate return to starting XI against Roma after serving suspension

According to a report by Madrid Universal on Wednesday October 14, 2026, Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen is expected to return to the starting line-up for the Champions League clash against AS Roma after serving his suspension.

According to reports, the 21-year-old Spain international is set to reclaim his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting XI for the important European fixture in Italy.

Huijsen’s return comes at a crucial time for Los Blancos, who are preparing for a challenging run of matches that includes their upcoming La Liga meetings with Sevilla and Barcelona.

The young centre-back missed Madrid’s recent victory over Villarreal because of his suspension. However, Antonio Rudiger stepped up in his absence, delivering a solid performance to help Mourinho’s side secure the result.

Despite Rudiger’s display, Huijsen is expected to return to the starting line-up and partner Ibrahima Konate in central defence against Roma.

The decision would give Mourinho another opportunity to strengthen his defensive partnership ahead of a demanding period in the season.

Huijsen’s importance to Madrid extends beyond his defensive qualities. The Spanish international is comfortable in possession and possesses the ability to play progressive passes that help his team move the ball forward from the back.

His composure and distribution could prove valuable against Roma, particularly after Madrid encountered difficulties progressing the ball into dangerous central areas during their victory over Villarreal.

In that match, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni struggled to consistently move possession into attacking areas, highlighting the importance of receiving support from the defenders.

Huijsen’s ability to break opposition pressing lines could ease the burden on Madrid’s midfielders and help the team establish better control of possession.

The defender’s two-footed ability also gives Mourinho greater flexibility when building attacks from defence, allowing Madrid to find different passing angles and avoid becoming predictable in possession.

However, Huijsen will need to demonstrate greater consistency and reduce the individual errors that have occasionally affected his performances.

His dismissal against Atletico Madrid was a setback during what has otherwise been an encouraging start to the season. The Roma encounter therefore represents another opportunity for the youngster to demonstrate his maturity and reliability on the European stage.

The timing of his return is particularly significant because Madrid must prepare for their upcoming El Clasico against Barcelona.

Hansi Flick’s side have been producing impressive attacking performances, making defensive organisation a major concern for Mourinho ahead of the meeting between the Spanish rivals.

Madrid will need to strike the right balance between pressing aggressively and maintaining their defensive shape against Barcelona’s dangerous forwards.

A strong performance from Huijsen against Roma could help Mourinho assess his options and build confidence in his defensive structure before the Clasico.

With the suspension now behind him, the Spain international has an opportunity to re-establish himself as a key figure in Madrid’s back line.

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