Real Madrid travel to Rome for their second Champions League matchday with José Mourinho ready to alter two areas of his starting side, while Roma must reshuffle around injury absences of their own.
Madrid restore Huijsen and Vinicius
Dean Huijsen is expected to return at centre-back after serving a domestic suspension, reclaiming the defensive role he has generally held whenever available. His recall is set to be one of two changes Mourinho makes for the visit to Roma.
The other comes on the left of the attack, where Vinicius is in line to start ahead of Yan Diomande. The Brazilian was among the substitutes in Madrid’s previous domestic outing and is seeking a response after his sending-off last Saturday. Diomande, who had recently made a decisive contribution, is expected to drop out.
Vinicius would join Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham in Madrid’s attacking three, giving the visitors a high-profile front line for a significant early European test in the Italian capital.
Roma hit by two injury absences
Gian Piero Gasperini will be without goalkeeper Mile Svilar and midfielder Bryan Cristante because of injury. Their absences leave Roma short of two important options as they prepare to host the Spanish side.
In attack, Matías Soulé and Paulo Dybala are expected to line up alongside Donyell Malen. Roma will look to make home advantage count against a Madrid team making targeted changes rather than wholesale alterations for the Champions League night.
