Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos will not be travelling to the USA with the rest of the squad as he continues to recover from injury.
The 26-year-old picked up an injury just days after returning for pre-season training, and it is still currently unclear how long he will be absent for.
Los Blancos are set to travel to the USA to face AC Milan, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus in a packed schedule, and whilst they are set to take most of the first-team squad, Ceballos will not travel with his teammates.
Journalist Miguel Angel Toribio has revealed the news via Radio Marca, in what will be a big blow for the former Real Betis midfielder.
What are Ceballos’ aims for the season?
This injury could be a devastating blow to Ceballos’ ambitions for the season, even if a short-term absence. Pre-season was the ideal opportunity for him to show his quality to Carlo Ancelotti, and he faces stiff competition for a starting spot in the midfield.
The arrivals of Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler could limit his chances when he returns from his lay-off, and it does raise the question of why both player and club were keen on extending his contract.
The idea behind Ceballos staying, rather than moving elsewhere for free, was so he could provide depth for the likes of Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. However, Guler has since joined, whilst Toni Kroos and Luka Modric also extended their deals to remain for another year.
If he struggles to gain opportunities once he returns from injury, he may have to seriously consider his long-term future at the club, and possibly move away to a side where he can be a regular starter, and perhaps even return to Real Betis.