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Real Madrid midfield crisis and Mourinho's Champions League-

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2026-09-07 13:52 UTC → 2026-09-08 05:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Real Madrid ~~squad availability~~ midfield crisis and Mourinho's Champions League-

Real Madrid manager José Mourinho continues to face a significant midfield shortage ahead of the UEFA Champions League opening match against Inter Milan on September 8. The squad remains depleted by suspensions for Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga, and Bernardo Silva, alongside the injury to Aurélien Tchouaméni. This leaves Federico Valverde as the only natural, fully fit central midfielder available for selection. To mitigate the crisis, Mourinho is evaluating ~~several~~ tactical ~~adjustments. Potential solutions include~~ adjustments, such as deploying Jude Bellingham in a deeper role or moving Trent Alexander-Arnold into a more central ~~position within a 4-3-3 formation. To fill the gaps, Mourinho~~ position. He is also considering promoting ~~talent from the~~ Castilla ~~academy, specifically eyeing~~ academy talents Jorge Cestero and Sergio ~~Martínez following strong performances. Additionally, there is ongoing discussion regarding~~ Martínez, while monitoring the development of high-profile signing Yan ~~Diomandé, who remains a key part~~ Diomandé. Amidst these selection challenges, Mourinho has addressed the psychological landscape of his second tenure at the ~~club’s long-term plans despite limited playing time.~~ club. He stated he feels “no additional pressure” to win the Champions League, noting that his current role is separate from his first stint, which ended in 2013. He emphasized that his past performance is unrelated to his current objectives under President Florentino Pérez. Real Madrid is seeking to reclaim European dominance following two seasons without a major trophy and the recent arrival of Kylian Mbappé. Ahead of the clash, Mourinho also addressed ~~the team’s recent loss to Betis and expressed~~ frustrations regarding officiating in ~~that match. While remaining tight-lipped regarding specific lineup decisions, he noted that the team has several options~~ a recent loss to ~~fill the midfield gaps. Regarding~~ Betis and maintained a professional distance from his former club, Inter Milan, ~~Mourinho maintained a professional distance, stating that while the club is special, he views~~ viewing the match purely as a competitive fixture with the sole goal of securing a victory. The upcoming match also features injury concerns for the opposition. Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco is in doubt following a mild left knee sprain sustained during a Serie A match against Napoli. His availability will be determined following training on Monday, with Carlos Augusto serving as a potential replacement. fixture.

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