Inter leave Federico Dimarco out of Real Madrid Champions League trip

Inter will be without Federico Dimarco for their UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid after deciding not to include the Italy international in their travelling squad.

The two sides are preparing to meet in the opening match of the league phase at Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday, but Dimarco will remain in Italy despite completing Inter’s training session without apparent difficulty.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter head coach Cristian Chivu has opted against taking the 28-year-old to Madrid as a precaution because of pain in his knee. The decision was made even though Dimarco was able to take part in training normally.

Carlos Augusto is expected to deputise for Dimarco at left-back in the match against Real Madrid.

Dimarco has been an important member of the Inter squad and was named Serie A’s best player last season. He has made three appearances for the Nerazzurri during the current campaign, providing one assist but not scoring.

His absence removes an attacking option from Chivu’s plans for one of the most significant fixtures in the opening round of the Champions League league phase. Inter’s decision reflects the club’s preference to manage the knee problem cautiously rather than risk involving the player away from home.

The match in Madrid will therefore take place without one of Inter’s leading performers from the previous Serie A season. Dimarco’s omission was confirmed after the club assessed his condition before the journey, with the technical staff choosing to leave him behind in Italy.

Carlos Augusto will now cover the position that has been occupied by Dimarco during the early part of the season. The Brazilian is set to be the alternative at left-back as Inter begin their European campaign against Real Madrid.

Dimarco’s three appearances this season have brought one assist, while he is yet to find the net. Last season, however, his contribution was recognised with the award for the best player in Serie A.

Inter and Real Madrid will meet on Tuesday in the opening fixture of the new league-phase format. The Italian side will have to begin that campaign without Dimarco, who will miss the trip as a precautionary measure because of his knee discomfort.