Real Madrid v Inter: Mbappe and Vinicius lead expected Champions League line-ups

The Santiago Bernabeu will stage a high-profile meeting between Real Madrid and Inter on Tuesday evening as both sides begin their UEFA Champions League league-phase campaigns, with injuries and suspensions expected to shape the starting line-ups.

Jose Mourinho faces several selection problems before kick-off. Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva are suspended, while Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy and Raul Asencio are all reported to be unavailable.

Aurelien Tchouameni, Thiago Pitarch and Endrick have returned to training but remain doubtful. Endrick is nevertheless expected to start the match among the substitutes rather than in the starting XI.

The latest projections suggest Thibaut Courtois will keep his place in goal for Real Madrid. Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Ibrahima Konate are expected to form the defensive trio, with Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella operating in the wide positions.

Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde are likely to provide the central midfield partnership. Real Madrid’s attacking threat should come from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, while Brahim Diaz and Yan Diomande could complete the attacking set-up, depending on the system Mourinho chooses.

The Spanish side will therefore have to adjust to a number of absences as they open their European campaign at home. The availability of Tchouameni and Endrick remains one of the key late selection questions, although neither is currently expected to start.

Inter make fewer changes

Cristian Chivu has a less depleted squad to choose from, although Federico Dimarco will miss the match because of a knee injury. New signing Djed Spence is still working his way back to full fitness and is also not expected to be included from the start.

Josep Martinez is projected to start in goal. In front of him, Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji and Alessandro Bastoni could form the back three.

Carlos Augusto, Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella and Andy Diouf are among those expected to feature in midfield. Chivu may alter the team’s shape depending on the tactical system he selects, with Luis Henrique also tipped to play in an advanced role.

Inter are expected to retain the Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram partnership in attack. Martinez goes into the game with renewed confidence after scoring twice in Inter’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Napoli on Saturday.

That result provides the Argentina international with strong momentum before Inter’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, although Real Madrid’s attacking options mean the visitors will face a major test in their opening league-phase fixture.

Probable line-ups

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois; Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Ibrahima Konate; Denzel Dumfries, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Marc Cucurella; Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Junior; Kylian Mbappe.

Inter: Josep Martinez; Yann Bisseck, Manuel Akanji, Alessandro Bastoni; Andy Diouf, Nicolo Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu, Carlos Augusto; Luis Henrique; Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram.