The Real Madrid Lineup That Should Start Against Inter

Real Madrid travel to Italy to take on Inter in gameweek four of the Champions League with both sides looking to turn their Group B fortunes around.

Zinedine Zidane will be without some star names for their trip to San Siro, with Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde and Alvaro Odriozola all sidelined through injury, while Luka Jovic and Eder Militao are both missing after testing positive for COVID-19.

Los Blancos ran out 3-2 winners in the reverse fixture earlier this month, but with Madrid and Inter currently occupying third and fourth spots in Group B, Wednesday's encounter holds great importance for both sides.

Here's how Real should line up.

1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Raphael Varane will have an important role to play for Real Madrid given the absence of Sergio Ramos / Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Thibaut Courtois (GK) - The former Chelsea shot-stopper has settled into life in Madrid well after a tricky start and is set to continue between the sticks.

Dani Carvajal (RB) - Spain international Carvajal made his comeback from injury in the 1-1 draw with Villarreal over the weekend, and although he's short of fitness, options are lacking.

Raphael Varane (CB) - 27-year-old Raphael Varane will have a big job on his hands keeping Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez quiet and will have to do so without usual partner Sergio Ramos.

Nacho (CB) - The Real Madrid academy graduate is a versatile defender capable of filling in anywhere along the backline and he's expected to slot in alongside Varane.

Ferland Mendy (LB) - Marcelo's heir is growing in stature with every passing performance for the Spanish champions and will be looking to put in another assured display on the left.

2. Midfielders

Luka Modric is still capable of pulling the strings in the Real Madrid midfield / Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Casemiro (DM) - Brazilian defensive midfielder Casemiro is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Zidane. The 28-year-old is a consistent and reliable performer for the 13-time European champions and will be crucial to their chances in Milan.

Luka Modric (CM) - He may be in the twilight of his career, but Luka Modric is still capable of dictating the play and controlling the midfield against the highest calibre of opposition.

Toni Kroos (CM) - The World Cup winning midfielder usually features in Madrid's most important games and should be selected for this one.

3. Forwards

Mariano scored against Villarreal last time out / Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Lucas Vazquez (RW) - The hardworking academy graduate will likely take up his favoured position of the right-hand side of a front three, though he may have Rodrygo pushing for his place.

Mariano (ST) - With Benzema injured and Jovic out with coronavirus, the goalscoring burden falls upon Mariano. The 27-year-old scored on his first start of the season against Villarreal, finding the back of the net after just two minutes of play.

Eden Hazard (LW) - Hazard is yet to find his best form at the Bernabeu owing to a raft of injury problems. Firing Madrid towards the last 16 of the Champions League would go some way to making up for lost time.