Real Madrid are preparing for a difficult test in Italy, where they will face Roma in the Champions League.
Jose Mourinho has made no attempt to underplay the difficulty of this test and will need to get his XI spot on to secure the three points.
Los Blancos are expected to welcome Dean Huijsen straight back into their starting line-up for tonight’s clash against the Italian side.
According to MARCA, the Spain international is set to reclaim his place in the starting XI immediately after serving his suspension.
Huijsen expected to return to the starting line-up
The young centre-back’s return comes at an important moment, with Madrid preparing for a difficult European away fixture before turning their attention to Sevilla and Barcelona in La Liga.
Huijsen’s suspension forced Mourinho to manage without him, but Antonio Rudiger had a good game against Villarreal, making sure that the absence was not felt.
Dean Huijsen is set to return straight to the starting XI against Roma. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
The 21-year-old’s inclusion would provide Madrid with another option in central defence, particularly against a Roma side who are capable of testing their defensive organisation.
Huijsen, in all likelihood, will replace the German defender in the starting line-up and partner Ibrahima Konate at the back.
Why Huijsen’s return matters beyond defending
Huijsen’s value is not limited to winning challenges or protecting the penalty area.
His composure in possession and willingness to play forward passes can help Madrid progress the ball from defence, an area where Mourinho’s side have occasionally struggled.
Against Villarreal, Madrid’s midfield pairing of Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni found it difficult to consistently move possession into dangerous central areas.
Roma is an important test for Huijsen ahead of the Clasico. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Having a centre-back capable of breaking the first line of pressure could reduce that burden on the midfield.
Being naturally two-footed, the Spaniard will also be able to open up more angles on the pitch than a partnership of Konate and Rudiger.
Roma offer an important test before El Clasico
The timing of Huijsen’s return is particularly useful because Madrid need to fix their defensive structure before facing Barcelona later this month.
Hansi Flick’s team are running rampant and scoring goals for fun, and Mourinho needs to find a balance between defending aggressively and keeping attackers at bay.
The red card against Atletico Madrid was a minor blip in what has been an otherwise impressive start to the season from the 21-year-old.
If Huijsen can return and cut out the errors from his game, Mourinho is showing that he is willing to trust him, and it remains to be seen how he fares against Roma.