Real Madrid XI vs Inter: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Champions League | OneFootball

Los Blancos in throes of concerted injury crisis ahead of European opener

Jose Mourinho could be without as many as 10 first-team players through injury or suspension as Real Madrid host Inter Milan to open their Champions League campaign.

Los Blancos are fresh off the back of a frustrating 1-0 defeat away at Real Betis, decided by Troy Parrott’s late winner and Kylian Mbappe’s missed penalty in injury time.

The early days of Mourinho’s second stint with the club, though, have been hampered by a dire injury crisis which is continuing to hang over Valdebebas ahead of Inter’s Tuesday night visit to the Bernabeu.

Presently on the treatment table are Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo, who suffered an ACL injury in the latter stages of last season.

Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick were all sidelined too, but only until recently. The trio are back in training, though it remains to be seen whether they will be able to feature against Inter.

Back in the fold: Endrick could feature against Inter

AFP/Getty

Mourinho has already confirmed Endrick will be named to the bench as he is only ready to play about ten minutes.

Compounding the crisis are a handful of suspensions leftover from last season, which mark Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga as unavailable. Silva’s sending-off actually came against Real last season, when the Spaniard was still at Manchester City.

Marc Cucurella was forced off with cramp against Betis, and should return to the starting lineup at left wing-back here, with Denzel Dumfries on the opposite flank.

There have been suggestions Trent Alexander-Arnold could slot into midfield, but no cover is really needed with Brahim Diaz, Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde all fit.

Thibaut Courtois’ goal will be protected by Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior hoping to do damage at the other end.

Real Madrid predicted XI vs Inter (3-5-2): Courtois; Huijsen, Rudiger, Konate; Cucurella, Diaz, Bellingham, Valverde, Dumfries; Mbappe, Vinicius

Injured: Mendy, Asencio, Rodrygo