Real Madrid begin their preseason campaign against Fiorentina in Austria on Wednesday, though a host of their headline names will sit out the fixture. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Marc Cucurella, and Vinicius Junior are among the absentees, with the quartet set to rejoin squad training next week as they continue their recovery from international commitments.
Defensive Options on Display
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will be without key defensive reinforcements for the Worthersee Stadion clash in Klagenfurt. Ferran Huijsen will miss the encounter owing to minor discomfort, while fellow centre-back Asencio faces a six-week absence through hamstring injury, creating a genuine opening for fringe players to stake their claim.
Joan Martínez emerges as a candidate to earn minutes in the coming weeks, given the current centre-back shortage. The defensive contingent travelling to Austria includes Dumfries, Trent, Á. Carreras, Lamini, Martínez, Fortea, Mario Rivas, and Aimar García across the back line.
In goal, Andriy Lunin will have Sergio Mestre and Javi Navarro as support options. The midfield unit comprises Camavinga, Valverde, Arda Güler, Cestero, Lacosta, and Alexis Ciria, while the forward department includes Endrick, Carlos Espí, Daniel Yáñez, and Jacobo.
Squad Composition and Tactical Setup
The abbreviated squad reflects the summer timeline, with most senior personnel still in the post-tournament wind-down phase. Endrick represents one of Madrid’s main attacking outlets available for selection, having recently joined the club ahead of the new campaign.
The midfield options afford Ancelotti flexibility in experimenting with different shapes and combinations. Camavinga and Valverde provide experience at the base, while Güler and the supporting cast offer creative avenues in the attacking third.
What This Means for Madrid’s Preseason Pathway
This fixture serves as a first competitive outing for a largely reserve-orientated squad, allowing fringe performers genuine opportunity to demonstrate readiness. The absence of Bellingham, Mbappé, Cucurella, and Vinicius reflects their late return following summer tournaments, with their integration scheduled to commence in training next week rather than via match action.
The Asencio injury, stretching six weeks into the campaign calendar, places additional weight on Martínez and other defensive personnel to provide depth during Madrid’s opening league fixtures. Huijsen’s minor issue suggests precautionary management rather than serious concern, positioning him as likely available soon after.
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Match Details and Broadcast Information
Kick-off takes place at 18:00 CET, equivalent to 12:00pm EST. The match will be broadcast via Real Madrid TV, with streaming also available through the club’s official platform. Fiorentina travel north from Italy to face Ancelotti’s squad in what represents both sides’ preseason preparation ahead of their respective domestic campaigns.
