Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham will both miss Real Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States following their deep runs with France and England at Euro 2024.
Los Blancos get their summer preparations up and running this weekend but have already played a behind-closed-doors friendly this week, seeing off Spanish second-tier side Albacete 3-0 on Wednesday night.
Madrid will travel to the US in the coming days but will be without some of their most prominent stars for their stateside excursions.
Mbappe won’t make his first appearance in the white of Madrid after France reached the semi-finals of Euro 2024, while beaten finalist Bellingham will also be given more time. Both are expected to be back in first-team contention for the UEFA Super Cup clash with Europa League holders Atalanta in mid August, according to The Athletic.
Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde are also expected to be absent following their lengthy international commitments.
However, Endrick and Vinicius Junior, who suffered disappointment with Brazil alongside compatriots Eder Militao and Rodrygo at the Copa America, will be in contention for the friendlies against Milan, Clasico rivals Barcelona and Chelsea.
The squad is expected to be fairly youthful due to the absences, with Madrid set for another fixture-filled year after their successes last season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side start their La Liga campaign the weekend after the Super Cup and will also compete in the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana, FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup throughout 2024/25.
The negative effects of the increased workload on players is part of a plan from European leagues and players to sue FIFA over the “saturated” and “unsustainable” international match calendar.
Madrid suffered some problematic fitness blows last season as Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba and Militao were all hit by cruciate ligament injuries.
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