Real Madrid XI vs Inter: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Champions League today | OneFootball

Jose Mourinho dealing with several fitness issues ahead of league phase opener

Real Madrid are missing a number of first-team players as they prepare to face Inter Milan in the Champions League tonight.

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

The early days of Jose Mourinho’s second stint with the club 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 all now 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 for Real Madrid against Inter Milan

AFP/Getty

Mourinho has already confirmed that Endrick will be named to the bench as he is only ready to play about 10 minutes.

Compounding the crisis are a handful of suspensions left over from last season, which mark Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Eduardo Camavinga as unavailable. Silva’s sending off actually came against Madrid 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 that 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.

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

Injured: Mendy, Asencio, Rodrygo