Cucurella cleared to ease Real Madrid’s defensive worries before Inter opener

Real Madrid have received a boost before their opening UEFA Champions League league-phase fixture against Inter Milan, with Marc Cucurella expected to be fit enough to start despite suffering discomfort in the defeat by Real Betis.

Tribuna, citing AS, reports that the Spain international’s latest assessment was positive and that he is set to retain his place in Jose Mourinho’s starting line-up for Tuesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Cucurella’s condition had prompted concern ahead of Inter’s visit, particularly after he experienced discomfort during the loss to Real Betis. However, the problem has been diagnosed as minor muscular fatigue rather than a serious injury.

That assessment means the full-back is not expected to face any major obstacle to taking part in Real Madrid’s first European fixture of the campaign. His availability will come as welcome relief to Mourinho, who already has several defensive absences to manage.

Eder Militao, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo have all been ruled out of the match against Inter Milan. Aurelien Tchouameni is also unlikely to be included in the squad, despite having returned to full team training.

Against that backdrop, Cucurella’s situation is viewed as considerably more encouraging. The discomfort he felt against Real Betis has not been considered serious, and the expectation is that he will be ready to begin the game when Inter travel to Madrid.

His likely inclusion would give Mourinho an important option in defence as Real Madrid begin their European campaign at home. The Spanish side will face Inter Milan with a number of players unavailable, making the positive update on Cucurella particularly significant before the opening whistle.

The report does not indicate any further complications relating to the muscular fatigue, and the latest evaluation has strengthened the belief that Cucurella can play from the start. His fitness will therefore be monitored as part of the final preparations, but the current expectation is that he will feature in the starting XI.

Real Madrid’s encounter with Inter Milan represents the first step in their league-phase schedule in the UEFA Champions League. With the fixture taking place at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home side will hope Cucurella’s recovery allows them to avoid making another defensive adjustment amid the confirmed and expected absences.

The match is scheduled for Tuesday, with Inter arriving in Madrid to face Mourinho’s team in the opening European assignment of the season.