Real Madrid-Inter: Federico Dimarco out, Carlos Augusto expected at left-back

Inter Milan will play their Champions League opener without Federico Dimarco, this Tuesday 8 September at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Madrid. The Italian left-back, injured in the knee during the 3-2 win over Napoli in Serie A, did not travel to Spain and is expected to be replaced by Carlos Augusto on the left side.

Sky Sport Italia confirmed on Monday that Dimarco is suffering from a mild sprain of the left knee. The player has resumed some collective training, but the Nerazzurri staff decided to take no risks and left him at Appiano Gentile to continue his recovery. The Italian media reports that his condition is not causing particular concern and a return as early as the next league match is envisaged.

This absence deprives Cristian Chivu of one of his main left flank contributors. Dimarco has played an important role in Inter’s start to the season and remains one of the most influential players in offensive phases. Carlos Augusto is expected to occupy the left wing-back position in the 3-5-2 Italian formation, while Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram should lead the attack.

Goal also reported the absence of the 28-year-old defender, specifying that the decision to keep him in Italy was taken as a precaution following his knee discomfort. The withdrawal is therefore a distinct update from the early-week uncertainties, when his participation in the trip to Madrid was still considered possible.

A highly anticipated opening clash at the Bernabéu

Real Madrid and Inter face off at 21 Central European Time for their first match of the 2026-2027 Champions League group stage. Inter’s official site recalls that the Nerazzurri arrive in Madrid after three wins in three Serie A rounds, while José Mourinho’s Real want to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Betis in the league.

On the Madrid side, the club published its squad on Tuesday, including Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Yan Diomandé. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, and Bernardo Silva are suspended for this European opening day, adding further adjustments expected in both teams before kickoff.