Federico Dimarco will not travel with Inter to Madrid for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Real Madrid after suffering a mild sprain of his left knee during Saturday's 3-2 Serie A victory over Napoli.
Inter head coach Cristian Chivu confirmed the decision on Monday morning, with Carlos Augusto set to deputise at left wing-back at the Bernabéu. The decision was taken as a precaution after medical examinations ruled out any serious long-term damage.
Dimarco first felt discomfort in his knee during the first half at San Paolo and appeared for the second half wearing a large support strap around the affected area. He provided the assist for Lautaro Martínez's goal that put Inter 2-1 ahead before asking to be substituted in the 62nd minute.
Sky Sport Italia reported on Saturday evening that the 28-year-old had suffered a mild sprain, with further assessments scheduled for Monday. Inter's medical staff gave the all-clear on structural damage but Chivu opted not to risk his first-choice left wing-back for what is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Champions League group stage.
Carlos Augusto, who replaced Dimarco against Napoli and also provided an assist, is expected to start. The Brazilian has been an important rotation option for Inter this season and now gets his chance in the biggest game of the campaign so far.
Dimarco's absence is a significant blow for Inter, who face a Real Madrid side that themselves are without several key players. The Italian international has been one of Inter's most creative outlets this season, combining defensive solidity with a dangerous delivery from wide areas.
Inter will hope the rest allows Dimarco to recover fully ahead of a busy Serie A schedule in the coming weeks. The club are understood to be confident he will be available for selection again within days.
Sources
- https://football-italia.net/inter-make-dimarco-decision-ahead-real-madrid/
- https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Inter/07-09-2026/dimarco-infortunio-inter-salta-real-madrid-champions-league.shtml
