Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images
Today, according to a report from MARCA, only seven first-team players from Real Madrid’s first team will be returning to training at Valdebebas.
These players are Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Lucas Vazquez, Jesus Vallejo, Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos, and Brahim Diaz.
Real Madrid and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, are gearing up for what could be their most demanding season ever.
With seven major titles on the line, including the European Super Cup, La Liga, the Champions League, the Intercontinental Cup, the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup, they are set to play a staggering 68 games across all competitions over the next 11 months.
However, before diving into these intense competitions, the team will embark on a pre-season tour in the United States, where they will play three friendly matches against Milan on July 31, Barcelona on August 4, and Chelsea on August 7.
Limited firearms in the arsenal
Currently, however, only a few players have returned to training, while the rest are still enjoying their vacations following their extended participation in the European Championship and Copa America.
For those who are at the club, the challenge begins today at Real Madrid City, starting with medical tests in the morning and the first training session in the afternoon.
Ancelotti will initially have a limited squad due to the absence of international players, who will join the team gradually after their holidays.
For now, the seven players who have returned will train alongside Castilla players, who are also starting their training today to help fill out the first team sessions.
Need for new signings
Ancelotti’s current squad consists of 22 players, including two goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders, and five forwards.
This season will see significant changes, with the departure of legends like Toni Kroos and Nacho, as well as Joselu, one of the heroes from their last Champions League campaign.
On the positive side, the squad will be boosted by the arrival of superstar Kylian Mbappe and promising young talent Endrick. Kepa Arrizabalaga is also absent, but his return is still possible, depending on the situation with Lunin, whose future with the club remains uncertain.
Additionally, the continuity of Dani Ceballos is in question, and Real Madrid is working on signing Leny Yoro to strengthen their defence.
As the summer progresses, these moves will help finalize the squad that Ancelotti will rely on to tackle the daunting task of competing for seven major titles.
The preparation and integration of new and returning players will be crucial for Real Madrid as they aim to make history in the upcoming season.
