Federico Dimarco's Injury Status Before Real Madrid Clash

Federico Dimarco is on the pitch for Inter. But not quite at full tilt.

On the eve of Inter’s Champions League opener away to Real Madrid, the Italy international took part in training with the rest of the squad this morning, his right knee heavily strapped after the knock that forced him off against Napoli.

The images, reported by FcInter1908, show Dimarco moving with the group but with a thick bandage wrapped around the joint. Inter described the issue as a mild knee sprain, picked up during Saturday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Napoli, when the wing-back had to leave the field early.

For Cristian Chivu, it is an unwelcome doubt before one of the toughest assignments of the season. Inter fly to Spain this afternoon, still unsure whether one of their key left-sided players will be on the plane, let alone in the starting XI at the Bernabéu.

Dimarco’s importance to Inter’s attacking patterns is obvious. His left foot, his delivery, his intensity down the flank: they stretch opponents and set the tone. Even at less than 100%, his presence on the teamsheet would change the feel of the contest.

For now, though, his status is officially in limbo. The club has not confirmed whether he will be called up, and the decision is expected to go right down to the wire.

Chivu will address the situation later today in Madrid, when he speaks to the media in his pre-match press conference and provides the latest on Dimarco’s condition.

On the first night of a new Champions League campaign, Inter must decide: risk a bandaged Dimarco in Madrid, or start their journey without one of their most influential weapons on the left?