Ahead of Real Madrid’s encounter with Inter in the first match of the 2026/27 Champions League on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, it is now clear that José Mourinho has almost no midfielders left for the fixture.
Unavailable players:
- Bernardo Silva (suspended)
- Eduardo Camavinga (suspended)
- Arda Güler (suspended)
- Aurélien Tchouaméni (injured)
- Thiago Pitarch (injured)
With Fede Valverde the only fully available senior midfielder, Mourinho must decide who partners him.
Softfootball’s suggestions:
- Jude Bellingham could be moved back into midfield, though Mourinho has already stated his preferred role for the Englishman.
- Trent Alexander‑Arnold or Dean Huijsen could be deployed as emergency midfield options.
- Jorge Cestero (born 2006) is another internal solution who may be called upon.
