Inter’s Federico Dimarco to miss Champions League opener against Real Madrid

Inter will be without Federico Dimarco for their Champions League opener against Real Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu tomorrow, after the Italy international was left out of the squad despite making partial progress in training.

According to Sky Sport Italia, there is no serious concern over the left-back’s injury. Dimarco has taken part in part of Inter’s team sessions and is said to be in good health, but the club’s coaching and medical staff have decided not to risk taking him to Madrid.

Instead, Inter will give Dimarco additional time to recover fully at Appiano. The decision is intended to avoid aggravating the problem and to ensure the player returns to full fitness rather than making a premature comeback.

Dimarco was unlikely to be ready to start against Real Madrid from the opening whistle in any case. Inter therefore preferred to keep him in Italy, where he can continue his recovery and build up his fitness. He is expected to be in contention to return for Inter’s next Serie A match.

His absence represents a significant setback for Cristian Chivu, given the influential role Dimarco has established within the Inter team. The 28-year-old enjoyed an outstanding domestic campaign and was central to the club’s success in Serie A during the 2025-26 season.

Dimarco was named Serie A’s player of the season after producing a series of influential performances that played a major part in Inter winning the league title.

The left-back’s contribution went well beyond his defensive duties. He scored seven goals and provided 18 assists during the campaign, making him one of Inter’s most productive attacking players as well as an important figure in their defensive structure.

His 18 assists also saw him set a historic Serie A record for the most assists recorded by a player in a single season. That achievement underlined Dimarco’s importance to Inter and his status as one of the most influential players in the team.

The timing of his absence is particularly difficult for Inter, who begin their European campaign against one of the leading contenders for the Champions League trophy. Real Madrid will be managed by Jose Mourinho, who previously coached Inter.

Inter must therefore prepare for one of the toughest fixtures of their opening European assignment without a player who has become a decisive presence on the left side of the team. While Dimarco’s condition is not considered a major concern, the club has opted for caution and will wait for him to complete his recovery before bringing him back into competitive action.