Real Madrid turn to Bellingham as suspended duo miss Inter Champions League test

Real Madrid begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan on Tuesday night without Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva, leaving manager Jose Mourinho facing an early midfield reshuffle after the domestic defeat by Real Betis.

The high-profile meeting at Real Madrid’s home stadium comes at a difficult moment for Mourinho, who must prepare for the club’s first European test of the season without two of the players he has relied on most since the campaign began.

The absences are the result of suspensions and are expected to force immediate changes in the centre of the pitch. Speaking on El Larguero on Cadena SER, journalist Antonio Romero said the most significant adjustment could involve England midfielder Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham is expected to move deeper into midfield to compensate for the loss of Guler and Bernardo Silva. Romero said the importance of the fixture meant there would be little room for Mourinho to experiment.

“It is natural for Bellingham to drop back a little,” Romero said.

He added: “It is a very important match, it is the team’s first appearance in the Champions League, and that is the ultimate objective for the biggest clubs in Europe. In the Champions League, there is no room for experimentation.”

Real Madrid do have other possible solutions. Newly signed Sergio Martinez could be brought into the side, while Trent Alexander-Arnold could be used in midfield. However, Romero believes Bellingham remains the preferred option, regardless of his physical condition.

“He is in excellent physical shape; he looked a little tired in the last match, but that is normal because he makes a huge effort for Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and all his team-mates,” Romero said.

The need for Bellingham to take on additional responsibility follows Real Madrid’s setback against Real Betis, which came only a few days before the meeting with Inter. The club will now look to begin its European campaign positively despite the disruption to Mourinho’s preferred midfield structure.

Inter arrive with confidence

Inter Milan travel to the fixture in strong spirits after an impressive start to the season. Analyst Bruno Alemany, speaking on the same programme, said the Italian side are “one of only two teams in Italy to have won all three of their matches” this season.

Alemany attributed that start to Inter retaining the core of the side which has taken them to two finals in the past four years. He highlighted the continued presence of Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolo Barella, Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Calhanoglu, as well as the confidence gained from their latest victory over Napoli.

Despite Inter’s stability, Alemany believes their defensive level has slipped, particularly in goal and across the back line.

“I think their level has dropped slightly, especially in goal and defence. Yann Sommer has left, while Josep Martinez is there; however, he is not the first-choice goalkeeper for a team competing in the Champions League,” he said.

Inter have also added defensive reinforcements, including Manuel Akanji and John Stones, who left Manchester City in less than ideal circumstances.

The Italian club’s attacking threat, however, appears to be in excellent condition. Lautaro Martinez scored twice in Inter’s previous match, while the victory over Napoli has further lifted the mood around the squad.

“Lautaro scored two goals in the last match, and they are coming off an exciting win against Napoli, which means they will be in high spirits,” Alemany said.

The clash brings together a Real Madrid side seeking a response and an Inter team carrying early-season momentum, with Bellingham’s new midfield role set to be one of the key tactical questions at the start of the European campaign.

Readers can discuss the subject and other football news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.