Dean Huijsen leaves Spain camp, out vs Turkey

Spain have confirmed center back Dean Huijsen has left the national team setup and will not face Turkey. No official reason has been provided. The 19-year-old Juventus defender had been noted for his calm on the ball and proactive defending, so his absence trims Luis de la Fuente’s rotation options. Spain still have senior depth at center back, so the structure should hold. Online reactions split between calling it a blow and downplaying the impact. From a player’s perspective, timing is never ideal before a tricky opponent like Turkey, but Spain have solutions and should remain composed.

The update emerged during Spain’s current international camp in the build-up to a scheduled match against Turkey. Huijsen, a right-footed central defender contracted to Juventus, had been part of preparations before departing the squad. Spain’s center back pool still includes experienced figures and rising talents, keeping the defensive unit stable for the upcoming fixture. With fixtures packed at club and international level, late withdrawals do occur for fitness management or administrative reasons, though nothing official beyond his absence has been communicated.

🚨 OFFICIAL: Dean Huijsen leaves Spain NT. He won't play vs Turkey.

@MadridXtra

Impact Analysis

From a tactical standpoint, Huijsen’s exit matters most for balance and rotation rather than system shock. As a right-footed defender comfortable stepping into midfield, he gives Spain clean progression on the first line. Without him, Spain likely lean more on established pairings built on timing and positioning rather than raw vertical carries. That means a touch more emphasis on full back support and midfield pivots dropping to manufacture the extra man in build-up.

Against Turkey, this trade-off is manageable if Spain control rest defense. Turkey transition well through runners like Kerem Akturkoglu and Arda Guler’s line-breaking passes. Spain’s solution is discipline: narrower spacing between the center backs, an alert pivot screening second balls, and quicker counter-press triggers after losing possession. Personnel-wise, Robin Le Normand brings anticipation and clearances in crowded zones, Aymeric Laporte contributes aerial stability and diagonal distribution, and Pau Cubarsi adds early reading of danger and passing disguise. That trio can cover most phases Huijsen would have handled.

In short, the absence narrows options but does not dismantle Spain’s plan. It places more minutes on the senior core and asks the full backs to be precise with timing. Spain still have enough to manage Turkey’s surges if they keep the block compact and avoid cheap turnovers.

Reaction

Fan sentiment splinters into familiar camps. One group labels the news a significant blow, pointing to the youngster’s recent composure and the value of a right-footed outlet against a pressing opponent. Another crowd brushes it off, arguing Spain are already in a strong position and have plenty of seasoned center backs to cover one absence. There’s the predictable club-leaning angle too, with some urging a swift return to club duty and others celebrating the idea that he will be “rested” for later priorities.

There’s also a minor wave of skepticism about hype, with a few insisting Spain’s defense does not swing on a 19-year-old’s availability. Meanwhile, practical voices ask whether it is injury management or simple precaution. A handful of rival fans celebrate the disruption, which is standard social media theater before a marquee matchup. Overall read: concern, curiosity, and a touch of opportunism, but no consensus until the official reasoning surfaces.

Social reactions

No arda Huijsen moments🥲

#TonightIsTheNight (@avcija)

Welcome Back Chill guy 🙂

TID_PILLATO (@Tid_Pillato)

Protects other players and cries when Lamine is being protected 🤡 De La Fuente is an agent from Vardrid to disorganize Barcelona with injuries

Yo' Deezy (@derrickdeezy1)

Prediction

Two primary scenarios feel realistic. First, precaution. If this is about load management, the player likely returns to Juventus in short order, resumes controlled training, and is monitored for the next international window. In that case, Spain absorb the short-term loss and maintain defensive continuity through their established pairings. Performance impact vs Turkey would be minimal as long as Spain’s midfield protects transitions.

Second, administrative or personal reasons. If so, the absence should be a one-off and not affect squad hierarchies. The talking point would fade quickly once Spain post a stable defensive performance. In both cases, the long-term picture remains bullish for Huijsen’s place in Spain’s plans. He offers a modern profile Spain value: ball-carrying under pressure, diagonal passing, and recovery pace in open grass.

For the match itself, expect Spain to tilt possession, press on triggers, and manage Turkey’s counter lanes through compact spacing. A controlled 1-0 or 2-0 is on the table if they cut out cheap turnovers. If they lose rest defense, Turkey’s first shot on goal could flip the mood fast. Edge to Spain, even without the youngster.

Latest today

• Man United set to keep Radek Vitek to compete with Lammens after standout Bristol loan
• Report: Zinedine Zidane lined up to coach France after the 2026 World Cup
• Valverde Jr. copies Mbappé celebration - a playful snapshot of Real Madrid’s new era
• Rival view: Lisandro Martinez comeback talk is optimistic - expect a later return

Conclusion

As someone who’s been in dressing rooms on international weeks, these late changes happen more often than people think. It can be fitness, family, club coordination, paperwork details, or something as simple as a conservative call from the medical team. What matters is how the group responds. Spain have the personnel and habits to navigate this cleanly.

Huijsen’s trajectory remains bright. At 19, getting touches in elite environments is the key, and he has already shown poise beyond his age. Spain’s pathway for modern center backs rewards exactly his profile. One missed match does not rewrite a development arc. If anything, it underlines why building depth is non-negotiable for top sides.

Spain should keep their structure, play through the first line without forcing it, and let the midfield dictate the tempo. If the back line stays connected, Turkey will find it hard to generate clear looks. The headline is his absence; the outcome will be about Spain’s system. My bet: steady hands, steady result.