Federico Dimarco Returns to Training Ahead of Champions League

Federico Dimarco stepped back onto the training pitch this morning, but not quite at full strength.

On the eve of Inter’s Champions League opener away to Real Madrid, the Italy international worked with the rest of the squad – his right knee heavily strapped after the sprain that forced him off against Napoli at the weekend.

The full-back limped out of Inter’s 3-2 win on Saturday, raising immediate concern ahead of the trip to Spain. Today brought a partial sigh of relief: Dimarco is with the group, moving, passing, competing. Yet the thick bandage around his knee tells its own story. He is not out of the woods.

Inter are due to fly to Madrid this afternoon, with Cristian Chivu still weighing up whether to risk one of his key left-sided weapons in such a demanding fixture. The medical staff continue to monitor the mild sprain, conscious that an early-season gamble in the Champions League could echo through the rest of the campaign.

For now, Dimarco trains, Inter prepare, and the decision waits. Chivu is expected to deliver the latest update in his press conference in Madrid later today, where one question will dominate: is Dimarco fit enough to face Real?