AS: Real Madrid Have Only Valverde Available as a True Midfield Option Ahead of Champions League Clash with Inter

According to AS, Real Madrid are short of midfield options when they face Inter Milan, with Valverde the only truly available midfielder.

The 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last Friday night helped many Madrid fans recognize the reality. After starting La Liga with three consecutive victories, Mourinho's team suffered defeat against their first major opponent of the season. Although a draw would not have been a surprise, Real Madrid created several good chances throughout the match and missed a penalty near the end. In some periods, Real Madrid's performance reminded many fans of the team from recent seasons.

Mourinho said at the press conference that his team should have won the match, and he also expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating. Regardless, Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Inter Milan on Tuesday has attracted significant attention in Madrid, as it will be the first real test for this Real Madrid side in the 2026/27 season, and is even more important than the match against Betis.

However, the match has also created a major selection problem for Mourinho. According to AS, the Portuguese coach cannot prepare under ideal conditions because of a serious shortage of midfielders. Bernardo Silva is suspended after receiving a red card against Real Madrid last season; Camavinga is also unavailable after being sent off against Bayern; while Tchouameni has not yet recovered from injury.

Guler could originally have been deployed in a double-pivot midfield role, but he is also suspended due to that match against Bayern. Pitarch is injured as well. As a result, the only truly available midfielder in Mourinho's squad is Fede Valverde. Bellingham could drop back one position because he has played in a more advanced role at the start of this season. However, this is not Mourinho's preferred choice, as he would rather see Bellingham closer to the penalty area. Alexander-Arnold can also play this position, and the possibility of using Huijsen as an emergency midfield option is also being considered. Finally, Mourinho could use the young Jorge Cestero as an emergency option. Real Madrid will face a test on Tuesday and have no room for mistakes.