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Conte laughs off suggestions Inter will face weakened Real Madrid

Antonio Conte - Inter Milan
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Los Blancos are missing a number of key players heading into Tuesday’s clash, but the Nerazzurri boss believes it’s not much of a concern.

Real Madrid find themselves in an awkward position in the Champions League this season as they sit third in Group B after managing just one win from the opening three games.

If that wasn’t enough to put substantial pressure on them heading into matchday 4, Los Blancos are without six of their players ahead of the clash against Inter Milan.

Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Federico Valverde, and Alvaro Odriozola have all been sidelined due to various fitness issues.

Luka Jovic and Eder Militao, meanwhile, tested positive for COVID-19 and aren’t included in the squad for the trip to San Siro.

Ramos and Benzema’s absence, in particular, could be heavily felt with the former being a rock in the Spanish side’s backline while the latter a reliable source for goals.

Antonio Conte, however, feels Real Madrid’s problems are a lot less intense than it seems.

“I don’t think Madrid can cry about their losses,” the Inter Milan manager said when reminded of the injury crisis that the upcoming opponents are going through in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference.

“They have a team with many good players. The fact that the there’s talk of Madrid’s absenctees makes me laugh.”

Inter are still looking for their first win in the European campaign and sit at the rock-bottom of Group B, with elimination awaiting them if things don’t change for the better.

“For us, it is a final,” Conte added. “We know that we don’t have many options other than to have an important result.

“It is one of the most difficult groups in the Champions League, but I think we have shown in previous games that we deserve much more.”

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