Real Madrid recently began its preseason preparations for the 2024/25 campaign that includes a tour of the United States with a revised squad. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-madrid-tickets-for-us-tour-schedule-dates-host-cities/">Los Blancos’ preseason schedule</a> comprises three exhibition matches, providing valuable match practice and allowing the team to engage with their international fan base.



The team will not have a fixed training base, a shift from previous years when they were based out of UCLA. Instead, they will move across the East Coast for their games. On July 31, the inaugural match will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago, pitting Chicago versus AC Milan.



The next week, on Aug. 3, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, there will be a preseason El Clasico matchup with Barcelona. The final game will be against Chelsea three days later at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The squad will return to Europe on August 8 for final preparations before the Super Cup.



As a matter of strategy, Los Blancos excluded players who have reached the finals or semifinals of the European Championship or the Copa America. This <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5659421/2024/07/25/real-madrid-u-s-tour-squad/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">decision impacts key players</a> like Luka Modric and Andriy Lunin, who will join the tour. Meanwhile, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/madrid-decide-on-mbappe-nose-surgery-will-he-play-in-us-tour/">Kylian Mbappe</a> will not participate in preseason preparations.



The rationale is to mitigate fatigue and prevent injuries. The club’s position is clear.



“<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> does not want fatigue to take over.” This is especially crucial given the intensive schedule, including the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240726_WST_518586_Endrick-Real-Madrid-squad-1200x675_672de355.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-518629" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Endrick-Real-Madrid-squad-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Endrick-Real-Madrid-squad-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Endrick-Real-Madrid-squad-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Endrick-Real-Madrid-squad-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/07/Endrick-Real-Madrid-squad.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Key absences for Madrid</h2>



Kylian Mbappe, in particular, will miss the pre-season training under Antonio Pintus, focusing instead on recovery. His substitution due to exhaustion in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal against France highlighted the need for rest. Similarly, Tchouameni and Carvajal have been heavily involved in international duties and require recovery time. Tchouameni played in four of France’s five matches at the Euros. Carvajal played a crucial role in Spain’s victory over Germany.



Camavinga and Mendy, although less involved in match play, will also not join the US tour. This selective approach ensures that players needing rest receive it adequately, balancing competitive obligations with player welfare. By prioritizing physical well-being, the club aims to maximize performance and minimize injury risks for the demanding season ahead.



<h2>Who is on the squad for Real Madrid in the US tour?</h2>



Despite the absences, the Whites’ squad for the US tour includes key players and promising talents. Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vazquez, Jesus Vallejo, Antonio Rudiger, Fran Garcia, Luka Modric, Dani Ceballos, Arda Guler, Brahim Diaz, and Endrick will travel on July 28. Brazilian players Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Vinicius, who played in the Copa America quarterfinals will later join them.



Seven or eight academy players will fill the gaps. These include Raul Asencio, Rafa Obrador, Mario Martin, Nico Paz, and Cesar Palacios. This approach not only manages the current squad’s physical toll but also prepares the academy players for higher-level competition.



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Madrid's US tour squad: Endrick in, Mbappe and Bellingham out

Real Madrid excluded players who have reached the finals or semifinals of the Euro or the Copa America from the US tour squad.

Endrick’s Real Madrid debut may come earlier than anyone expected, with a surprise on the cards. 



The Brazilian sensation apparently intends to show his new side what he can do by cutting short his vacation.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/copa-america/best-players-to-watch-at-copa-america-2024/">Endrick</a> is only 17, but he has already caused a stir in the soccer community. His outstanding efforts grabbed the attention of Real Madrid’s board. Notably his famous goal against Spain at the Santiago Bernabeu, his future home.



He will not be able to formally join the Madrid giants until he reaches the age of 18 on July 21, per the date set by FIFA. But he won’t have much downtime either. That’s if <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/endrick-earns-first-call-up-to-brazil-for-world-cup-qualifiers-20231106-WST-467646.html">Brazil</a> make it to the 2024 Copa America final—set for July 14—and then to the semi-finals.



Despite that, the youngster, according to <a href="https://www.relevo.com/futbol/endrick-planea-vida-madrid-piensa-20240328162438-nt.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Relevo</a>, is hell-bent on skipping his vacation to participate in Real Madrid’s preseason training in America. Then on July 31 at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/real-madrid-tickets-for-us-tour-schedule-dates-host-cities/">Chicago’s Soldier Field Stadium</a>, he may get his first taste of action against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ac-milan-tv-schedule">AC Milan</a>.



<h2>Madrid’s preseason training optional</h2>



Endrick reportedly wants to make a first impression on boss Carlo Ancelotti. It only shows how keen he is to fit in with the squad and contribute. Real Madrid’s competition is fierce, and it’s only going to get worse with the summer signing of Kylian Mbappe. The teenager, however, is motivated to show Ancelotti what he can do.



But preseason training is optional for players who will compete in the final stages of the Euro and Copa America. “All available Real Madrid players will participate in the Soccer Champions Tour 2024, except those who play in the semifinals of the Euro Cup or the Copa America”, <a href="https://en.as.com/soccer/real-madrid-concerned-about-player-burnout-from-euros-and-copa-america-n/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Madrid said in a statement</a>.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240330_WST_498347_imago1043042387h-1200x800_53b08606.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-498371" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/imago1043042387h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/imago1043042387h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/imago1043042387h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/imago1043042387h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/03/imago1043042387h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Endrick will have Vinicius Jr to assist him in settling into life with Real Madrid, as well as Rodrygo Goes</figcaption></figure>



<h2>How Real Madrid are helping Endrick fit in</h2>



At Real Madrid’s Valdebebas headquarters, they are getting ready to welcome Endrick with open arms. The striker will be able to house most of his family in the posh La Moraleja neighborhood, near Real Madrid’s sports city. All thanks to the club’s assistance in finding a home for their future star.



His Brazilian friend and soon-to-be teammate Vinicius also already provided him with advice. To keep improving, he told the youngster to listen to what his teammates had to say. That way, when he gets to Santiago Bernabeu, he is ready to take on the world.



“I always listen to the older players, I have developed a lot listening to them all..I hope that Endrick, who is a great player and a great person, will continue to listen to all of us. And we also listen to him, who has experience to talk to us. I hope he can continue to develop to arrive as prepared as possible to help us at Real Madrid.



“May he continue to gain confidence so he can help us in the national team, help his club which is Palmeiras and continue to evolve. He’s 17 years old, he has his whole career ahead of him. I hope everyone can root for him.”



The winger is currently considered one of the top attackers in the world, and he himself joined Real Madrid from Brazil when he was just 18.



As soon as his summer transfer to La Liga is finalized, Endrick will be hoping to catch up to his compatriot. As a surefire sensible course of action, he should listen to someone who has been there before.



Photo credits: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo : IMAGO / Sebastian Frej

Earlier than expected? Endrick's debut date for Madrid revealed

Brazilian sensation Endrick's Madrid debut could come early after it was announced he would cut short his holiday

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Madrid's US tour squad: Endrick in, Mbappe and Bellingham out

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Earlier than expected? Endrick's debut date for Madrid revealed