Marc Cucurella limped off with cramps in Real Madrid's opening defeat to Real Betis, casting doubt over his availability for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Inter Milan. The left-back was withdrawn late in the match as a precaution, leaving Jose Mourinho racing against time to assess his fitness for one of the season's most critical European fixtures.
Madrid's first domestic loss of the campaign brought more than just three dropped points. Cucurella's late substitution highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities that have emerged within Mourinho's squad. The Spanish international had recently displaced Alvaro Carreras as the manager's preferred left-back option, establishing himself as a key figure in the club's backline. His forced exit leaves Real Madrid with another selection headache at a time when squad depth is already stretched thin.
Mounting Absentee List Compounds Madrid's Crisis
The injury situation extends far beyond Cucurella's cramp concerns. Mourinho is currently managing absences across multiple positions, with Aurelien Tchouameni, Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick all sidelined through injury. Some respite may arrive if either Tchouameni or Rodrygo recovers in time for Inter's visit. Compounding the defensive issues, suspensions have ruled out Arda Guler, Bernardo Silva, and Eduardo Camavinga—a combination that severely restricts the manager's tactical flexibility.
Following their unexpected setback against Betis, Madrid's Champions League opener carries heightened significance. The European competition demands full squad rotation options; instead, Mourinho finds himself working with a depleted roster. Real Madrid return to training on Sunday ahead of Tuesday's encounter, giving the coaching staff a narrow window to evaluate Cucurella's condition. Should the left-back fail to recover, Carreras will step into the breach—a player capable but less established at this elite level.
Inter Milan, themselves experienced in European football's demands, will arrive in Madrid knowing Los Blancos are vulnerable. The Italian side represents a stern test for a club already grappling with fixture congestion and injury misfortune. How Mourinho's depleted squad responds will set the tone for their continental campaign.
