Real Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign tomorrow against Inter Milan with several key players unavailable, particularly in midfield. As a result, José Mourinho is being forced to consider different options for his double pivot, with one particularly unexpected solution gaining traction.

According to journalist Alberto Pereiro, Trent Alexander-Arnold is among the possibilities being considered to start in midfield alongside Fede Valverde.

The Uruguayan is virtually guaranteed to start unless there is a last-minute surprise. With Real Madrid short of options in midfield, Mourinho is unlikely to move Valverde to the right wing, where the team also has absences. However, he has more alternatives in that position, including Yan Diomandé and Brahim Díaz.

The most obvious options to partner Valverde in midfield would be Aurélien Tchouaméni and Thiago Pitarch, although both are returning from injury and may not yet be ready to start.

Beyond Alexander-Arnold, Mourinho could also consider Jude Bellingham, Sergio Martínez, Jorge Cestero or Dean Huijsen for the position. Bellingham and Huijsen appear less likely given their strong performances in their usual roles.

For Sergio Martínez and Jorge Cestero, the question is whether Mourinho is prepared to hand either player their first Champions League start.

The Portuguese manager has several options available to him, and the final decision will reveal just how much Mourinho is willing to experiment against Inter at the Bernabéu.

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