Dimarco out of Real Madrid-Inter with knee discomfort

Inter Milan open their Champions League league-phase campaign with a major absence. Federico Dimarco, who on Monday was named Serie A's best player at the Italian Footballers' Association gala, will not feature this Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid. The left wing-back is struggling with discomfort in his left knee and the coaching staff have decided the safest choice is to leave him out of the squad.

• Federico Dimarco is out of the trip to Madrid with left knee discomfort.
• The wing-back picked up a mild sprain on Saturday against Napoli at San Siro.
• Cristian Chivu does not want to take any risks with the Italy international.
• Carlos Augusto will cover the left flank at the Bernabeu.
• Dimarco recorded 18 assists and 7 goals for Inter last season.

Dimarco's injury: a mild left knee sprain against Napoli

The problem began in the thrilling Serie A match that Inter won 3-2 against Napoli. Dimarco had already felt pain during the first half, but returned after the break with a heavy bandage on his left knee. Far from holding back, the wing-back delivered the assist that allowed Lautaro Martinez to make it 1-2 and start Inter's comeback at San Siro.

The discomfort never went away, however, and the player asked to be substituted after 62 minutes. Follow-up tests ruled out a serious injury, but also made it clear that playing at the Bernabeu would be an unnecessary gamble. With the European fixture just around the corner, Inter and head coach Cristian Chivu opted for caution.

Carlos Augusto, the natural replacement on the left side

Dimarco's absence opens the door for Carlos Augusto in the starting line-up. The Brazilian already showed his attacking ability on Saturday, when he came on and provided the assist for the temporary 2-2 equaliser scored by Marcus Thuram. That performance against Napoli reinforces the idea that Inter have reliable alternatives at left wing-back.

Carlos Augusto has proven during his time at the club that he can handle the role with confidence, both defensively and going forward. Against Real Madrid he will face a world-class attack, but he arrives with recent minutes under his belt and the trust of the coaching staff after his impact in the last league match.

What Inter lose without Dimarco in attack

The Italian's absence is significant. Last season the wing-back set a Serie A record with 18 assists, surpassing the 16 that Papu Gomez recorded for Atalanta in the 2019-2020 campaign. He also added 7 goals in the year Inter ended as scudetto champions.

This season he had already opened his assist account against Napoli, in the same match that left his knee in bad shape. Those numbers explain why Inter see him as an essential piece of their attacking game, especially in the Champions League, where fine margins often decide matches against the likes of Real Madrid.

Chivu's plan: recover Dimarco without draining energy at the Bernabeu

Leaving Dimarco in Milan is part of a clear strategy. The sprain is mild, but rushing his return in such a demanding setting could complicate his recovery. Inter would rather let the player complete his rehabilitation calmly and be available for upcoming matches than gamble on him in the opening game of the league phase.

Chivu's side visit the Bernabeu aiming to pick up points in an elite-stage format. The Champions League league phase pits every team against eight different opponents, and every point matters in the race for a top position. Real Madrid, as reigning European champions, represent one of the toughest away trips on the calendar.

FAQ: Dimarco's absence and Real Madrid-Inter questions