Real Madrid play their first game of the preseason period in Illinois today, with Italian giants AC Milan the opposition in a box-office summer warm-up.

Vinícius Júnior is among several big-name players who won’t be involved for Real Madrid today, as Los Blancos kick off their pre-season fixture schedule with a high-profile friendly against AC Milan.

Held at Soldier Field in Chicago, the match is the first of three games that Madrid are to play on US soil over the coming week. After meeting Milan, the Spaniards face arch rivals Barcelona in New Jersey on Saturday August 3, before completing their American tour with a clash against Chelsea in North Carolina.

Why isn’t Vinícius playing today?
Alongside a number of Madrid’s stars, Vinícius is not due to report for preseason until after the Milan game. Together with compatriots Rodrygo Goes and Éder Militao, the Brazilian is to join up with the club’s summer tour tomorrow, Thursday August 1. The trio were allowed to push back their return from holiday because of their involvement in the Copa América until early July.

Another seven Madrid internationals – Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurélien Tchouameni, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde and star signing Kylian Mbappé – won’t play any part at all in the US tour. As they were in action at the European Championship or Copa América until mid-July, they will join Madrid’s preseason preparations when the team returns to Spain.

Who will play for Madrid against AC Milan?
In the absence of a host of major names, Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is expected to give youth a chance at Soldier Field. Academy prospects Joan Martínez and Mario Martín are in line to start against Milan, in a team that is also set to see summer recruit Endrick Felipe make his first appearance for Los Merengues.

Signed from Palmeiras, Endrick was also in action for Brazil at this summer’s Copa América, but the 18-year-old has cut short his holidays as he looks to prove himself to Ancelotti.

Real Madrid’s possible starting line-up vs AC Milan:
Thibaut Courtois; Lucas Vázquez, Joan Martínez, Antonio Rüdiger, Fran García; Luka Modric, Mario Martín, Dani Ceballos; Arda Güler, Endrick, Brahim Díaz.

Real Madrid vs AC Milan: start time, how to watch
Real Madrid and AC Milan meet today, Wednesday July 31, 2024, with kick-off at Soldier Field scheduled for 8:30pm ET/5:30pm PT. Viewers in the US will be able to watch the match on ESPN+ and the ESPN app.