Inter Milan-Real Madrid
Conte facing covid-19 absences for Champions League clash
Aleksandar Kolarov looks set to miss Inter's Champions League clash with Real Madrid while Marcelo Brozovic is also a doubt after covid-19 positives.
Real Madrid and Inter Milan will meet again in the Champions League next week in a pivotal game for the two sides' bid to qualify for the knock-out stages from Group B and Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte will have to wait to see if key players are available after several positive tests for covid-19 in both camps.
Inter defender Aleksandar Kolarov tested positive for coronavirus after returning from international duty with Serbia while Marcelo Brozovic was also released from the Croatia squad for the same reason. Meanwhile, Casemiro, Éder Militão and Eden Hazard have all tested positive for the virus.
Inter and Madrid met in the Spanish capital before the international break when Zidane's side won a gloves-off encounter 3-2 to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Inter are currently bottom of Group B with Madrid in third after three rounds of fixtures with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Shakhtar occupying the knock-out spots as it stands.
Inter facing shortage after Kolarov positive
Kolarov was tested on Monday following his return to Italy after he was an unused substitute in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Scotland that denied Serbia a place in the European Championship next year.
Inter say Kolarov is asymptomatic, but he looks set to miss the Serie A clash with Torino on Sunday and the Champions League return fixture against Real Madrid.
An Inter statement said: "FC Internazionale Milano can confirm that Aleksandar Kolarov tested positive yesterday as he went through checks upon his return from international duty.
"The player, who is totally asymptomatic, will now follow all of the guidelines and procedures laid out by the health protocol."
Kolarov has made six appearances in all competitions for Inter this season, creating eight chances and supplying one assist.
The only Nerazzurri defenders to supply more key passes are Achraf Hakimi and Ashley Young (both 10), and they have also set up two goals each.
However, Hakimi has featured in nine games and Young has participated in seven.