Manchester United and arsenal could be on alert as their targets are not flying to Germany for Audi Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have both been left out of Real Madrid’s squad for the Audi Cup tournament in Germany with concerns over the attacking duo’s fitness.
Ronaldo, 30, suffered “lower back pain” in his most recent training session, according to a club statement. Benzema, 27, “overloaded his right thigh” in the same session as Los Blancos step up their preparations for the new La Liga campaign. Madrid begin their league campaign at Sporting Gijon on Sunday, Aug. 23.
Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez has named a 24-man squad for the preseason tournament in Germany that includes defender Sergio Ramos, amid prolonged speculation over the defender’s future at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid will face Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena on Tuesday, with the winners playing either the hosts or AC Milan on Thursday.
The Real Madrid Squad
Goalkeepers: Navas, Casilla, Ruben Yanez
Defenders: Varane, Pepe, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo Carvajal, Arbeloa, Danilo
Midfielders: Kroos, James, Bale, Casemiro, Modric, Cheryshev, Isco, Illarramendi, Marco Asensio, Odegaard
Forwards: Jese, Lucas Vázquez, Borja Mayoral