Cristian Chivu will begin Inter’s European campaign without his first-choice left wing-back. Federico Dimarco has been left in Milan on precautionary grounds and will not travel for Tuesday’s Champions League opener at Real Madrid.

The 28-year-old picked up a knee problem in Inter’s 3-2 win over Napoli on Saturday, coming off in the 62nd minute wearing a support strap. Initial checks ruled out any serious damage, and he trained with the group at Appiano Gentile on Monday, but the medical staff opted against risking him at the Bernabéu.

Carlos Augusto is set to fill the void on the left. The Brazilian produced an assist after coming on for Dimarco against Napoli.

A reshaped left flank at the Bernabéu

Dimarco is a regular starter and a key outlet for Inter down the left, and his absence forces Chivu into a change on the eve of the tie. Carlos Augusto is the natural replacement after his cameo against Napoli.

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Inter arrive in Madrid on the back of three straight Serie A wins, with Lautaro Martínez’s stoppage-time strike sinking Napoli.

Chivu: ‘It has been 60 years since Inter won here’

Chivu framed the trip to Madrid as a chance to add to the club’s European history when he spoke to reporters on the eve of the match.

“Playing at the Bernabéu is never easy for anyone. It has been 60 years since Inter won here,” he said.

“We have an obligation to write important pages in the history of this club.”

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He also played down the identity of his starting eleven.

“It is not important who starts, but the 16 players who have the opportunity to contribute.”

Mourinho on the other bench

The fixture carries a subplot on the opposite touchline. José Mourinho was named Real Madrid head coach in June on a three-year deal and faces Inter for the first time since guiding them to the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia treble in 2010.

Mourinho’s side come into matchday one after a 1-0 loss to Real Betis, their first setback of the season, and are looking for an immediate response in front of their own supporters.

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Kick-off at the Bernabéu is at 9pm local time on Tuesday, with English referee Michael Oliver in charge.

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