Mourinho’s two options to start as Valverde’s midfield partners for Real Madrid vs Inter Milan | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defeat against Real Betis will undoubtedly affect the internal dressing room atmosphere at the club, for it not only marked their first defeat of the season but also their first loss after Jose Mourinho’s return.

There is, however, not much time to lose as Los Blancos have another tricky game coming at them hard and fast.

Midweek, they play host to Inter Milan in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League, pitting them against one of the strongest teams in the world.

The break in momentum is undoubtedly a worry for Mourinho ahead of the clash, but there is a bigger crisis he faces in midfield which can directly influence the result of the game.

Two unlikely candidates to start

Heading into the game against the Serie A giants, Federico Valverde is the only guaranteed starter in the double pivot for Real Madrid.

A surprise candidate to play in midfield. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler are all out through suspension while Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured and will not feature.

The situation calls for a creative solution, and Defensa Central confirm that Jose Mourinho does have surprises up his sleeve.

Two unlikely candidates are currently in a battle to start alongside Valverde – Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jorge Cestero.

As matters stand, those at the club believe they are the two best players to fill into the defensive midfield role on the night. They will, however, continue to monitor training before reaching a final decision.

Other options on the horizon

The Spanish outlet further confirms that the coaching staff are keeping an open mind in terms of handling the situation and will monitor other possible options this week in training.

Cestero could have his big chance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Brahim Diaz, and even Jude Bellingham could emerge as an option to start for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, and the manager must pick the right candidate given the level of the opposition.

New Real Madrid Castilla signing Sergio Martinez is also an option to feature and fill the pivot void on the night.

He has already made his debut with the subsidiary team and is an option for Mourinho, although a relatively less-likely one.