Güler, Camavinga and Bernardo Silva all suspended as Madrid host Inter in Champions League opener

Real Madrid face a significant midfield shortage for their Champions League league-phase opener against Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on September 8, with Arda Güler, Eduardo Camavinga and Bernardo Silva all suspended, according to a report from Madrid Universal citing Mundo Deportivo.

Güler and Camavinga were both dismissed during the quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich last season — a match Real Madrid lost 4-3 to exit the competition. Güler’s second yellow card reportedly came after the final whistle for dissent, while Camavinga received his in the closing stages of the game. Both are said to be serving one-match bans.

Bernardo Silva’s suspension has a different origin. The report states he was shown a straight red card while representing Manchester City against Real Madrid in the round of 16 second leg, for deliberately handling the ball on the goal line. Vinícius Júnior converted the resulting penalty. UEFA rules are said to wipe accumulated yellow cards between seasons but carry red-card bans forward, meaning all three remain unavailable unless an exceptional pardon is granted.

The absences leave manager José Mourinho with a selection puzzle in the centre of the park. With Federico Valverde expected to start, the report frames the key question as who partners him in midfield. The fitness of Aurélien Tchouaméni is also cited as a relevant factor in that decision, though his exact status has not been confirmed.

The report also notes several unrelated injury absences within the squad, without specifying a full list. Real Madrid did not progress beyond the quarter-final stage in last season’s Champions League, and Inter are described as a demanding opening opponent in the new league-phase format.

Mourinho’s side have otherwise shown positive domestic form heading into the fixture, but the European campaign begins under immediate personnel pressure.