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Real Madrid News Mourinho’s two options to start as Valverde’s midfield partners for Real Madrid vs Inter Milan Real Madrid’s defeat against Real Betis will undoubtedly affect the internal dressing room atmosphere at the club, for it not only marked their first defeat of the season but also their first loss after Jose Mourinho’s return. There is, however, not much time to lose as Los Blancos have another tricky game coming at them hard and fast. Midweek, they play host to Inter Milan in the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League, pitting them against one of the strongest teams in the world. The break in momentum is undoubtedly a worry for Mourinho ahead of the clash, but there is a bigger crisis he faces in midfield which can directly influence the result of the game. Two unlikely candidates to start Heading into the game against the Serie A giants, Federico Valverde is the only guaranteed starter in the double pivot for Real Madrid. Eduardo Camavinga, Bernardo Silva and Arda Guler are all out through suspension while Aurelien Tchouameni is out injured and will not feature. The situation calls for a creative solution, and Defensa Central confirm that Jose Mourinho does have surprises up his sleeve. Two unlikely candidates are currently in a battle to start alongside Valverde – Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jorge Cestero. As matters stand, those at the club believe they are the two best players to fill into the defensive midfield role on the night. They will, however, continue to monitor training before reaching a final decision. Other options on the horizon The Spanish outlet further confirms that the coaching staff are keeping an open mind in terms of handling the situation and will monitor other possible options this week in training. Brahim Diaz, and even Jude Bellingham could emerge as an option to start for Real Madrid against Inter Milan, and the manager must pick the right candidate given the level of the opposition. New Real Madrid Castilla signing Sergio Martinez is also an option to feature and fill the pivot void on the night. He has already made his debut with the subsidiary team and is an option for Mourinho, although a relatively less-likely one. Real Madrid News AS Roma make Real Madrid forward their priority for the January window – report Endrick’s future remains uncertain despite the Brazilian deciding to stay at Real Madrid until at least January. The forward returned to the Spanish capital following a productive loan spell with Olympique Lyonnais, expecting to have opportunities under Jose Mourinho. However, Real Madrid’s attacking reinforcements raised doubts over how much playing time would be available to him. As a result, Endrick began exploring potential destinations for another loan move this season. Mourinho, though, stepped in to block any departure and assured the 20-year-old that he would be given minutes and play an important role in his plans. AS Roma still keen Several clubs showed interest in taking Endrick on loan, with AS Roma and Aston Villa among the sides to make particularly strong attempts during the summer. Ultimately, the striker chose to trust Mourinho’s assurances and remain at Real Madrid. Roma’s interest, however, has not gone away. However, now, according to Corriere dello Sport (h/t Bernabeu Digital), the Italian club, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, has made Endrick its priority target for the January transfer window. Indeed, as per the report, Roma are expected to return with another loan proposal for Endrick in January. The Giallorossi have continued trying to convince Endrick that a move to the Italian capital would be the right option for his development and believe they could succeed in bringing him in for the second half of the season. Endrick will reassess his future in January Endrick, meanwhile, intends to wait until the new year before making a decision about his future. As already reported, the 20-year-old Brazilian international has not closed the doors on a possible move to Roma in January. If he does not get enough minutes at Real Madrid during the next few months, he could once again consider leaving on loan in search of regular playing time. For now, his opportunities have been limited by a muscular injury, meaning the Brazilian has yet to properly establish himself in Mourinho’s plans this season. Much will depend on how things go once he returns to full fitness.