Real Madrid in Serious Trouble Before Inter Clash as Mourinho Loses Almost Entire Midfield

José Mourinho is facing an almost empty midfield ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Inter at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese coach may have to rely on solutions far outside his usual plans.

Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva and Eduardo Camavinga are all unavailable because they still have to serve suspensions carried over from last season's European campaign. Aurélien Tchouaméni is also out of contention while dealing with a muscle problem.

That leaves Federico Valverde as the only established senior midfielder currently certain to play. Mourinho had already acknowledged the problem before the league match against Betis. "Practically, Valverde will be the only first-team player we have available. We will have a significant problem that we must solve," he said.

Mourinho is considering moving Jude Bellingham deeper, although that would take the Englishman away from the area where he is most dangerous, just in front of the opponent's penalty area. Another surprise option is Dean Huijsen, a defender known for his work with the ball and his ability to help build attacks. He also played in midfield when he was younger.

The coach is also weighing a midfield role for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has often moved inside from defensive positions to help organize play. Youngster Jorge Cestero is another possibility. Inter will immediately test the depth of Real's squad and Mourinho's ability to adapt with almost his entire regular midfield unavailable.

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Practically, Valverde will be the only first-team player we have available. We will have a significant problem that we must solve.