Real Madrid vs. Chelsea lineups, team news, tour squads: Who is playing in preseason friendly game?

Chelsea aim to finish their first preseason tour under Enzo Maresca on a high as they come up against the European champions, Real Madrid, in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Following their 4-2 defeat to Manchester City, the Blues have secured just one win from four friendlies leaving some fans already stressing about life under their new manager. 

The Premier League season is less than two weeks away and Chelsea start their campaign at home to champions City. Maresca has time to fine-tune his squad, as Chelsea play a final friendly against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge. 

For Madrid, this will be their last game before the UEFA Super Cup clash with Atalanta. So far, Los Blancos have suffered defeats to both Barcelona and AC Milan during their tour of the United States.

The Sporting News takes a look at how the two sides could line up.

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Real Madrid vs. Chelsea lineups, starting 11, team news

Players like Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Aurelien Tchouameni, Kylian Mbappe, and Eduardo Camavinga are all unavailable as they remain on vacation following their Euro 2024 exploits.

Federico Valverde is also still on his break following the Copa America, however, Brazilian stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo were both on the bench against Barcelona, with Vinicius making an appearance as a second-half substitute. He will be in line to start up front against the Blues. 

Young midfielder Cesar Palacios is unavailable and set for a long period on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate ligament injury against AC Milan.

Real Madrid starting XI (4-4-2 right to left): Courtois (GK) — L. Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, F. Garcia — Modric, Martin, Ceballos, B. Diaz — Rodrygo, Vinicius.

Injured: Palacois
Suspended: N/A

Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo recently joined the team in the USA, though Cole Palmer, Marc Cucurella, and Conor Gallagher are still on their post-Euro 2024 break. There are rumors that Gallagher is on the brink of signing for Atletico Madrid. 

Nicolas Jackson and Axel Disasi are the only players out with injuries, which leaves Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu competing for the striker position in Charlotte. New goalkeeper signing Filip Jorgensen gets the start in net after arriving from Valencia.

Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1 right to left): Jorgensen (GK) — R. James, Badiashile, Colwill, Gusto — E. Fernandez, Lavia— Madueke, Nkunku, Guiu, Sterling.

Injured: Nicolas Jackson, Axel Disasi
Suspended: N/A

MORE: Premier League opening weekend: Date, fixtures for first matchday of 2024/25 EPL season as Chelsea host Man City

Real Madrid tour squad for 2024 preseason

Carlo Ancelotti has named a 26-man squad including several academy players as he prepares his side for the upcoming season.

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran González

Defenders: Eder Militao, Lucas Vazquez, Jesus Vallejo, Fran Garcia, Antonio Rudiger, Jacobo Ramon, Lorenzo Aguado, Rafa Obrador, Raul Asencio and Joan Martinez.

Midfielders: Luka Modric, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, Nico Paz, Mario Martin, Cesar Palacios and Jeremy de Leon.

Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Endrick, Brahim Diaz, Juanmi Latasa and Alvaro Rodriguez.

Chelsea tour squad for 2024 preseason

Maresca announced his 28-man squad for the tour last month and stated that several players will also join at later dates.

Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Lucas Bergstrom, Eddie Beach, Marcus Bettinelli.

Defenders: Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Josh Acheampong, Renato Veiga.

Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.

Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.

MORE: All fixtures on the opening day of the new PL season | When is the Champions League draw?

Real Madrid vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this friendly match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

USA: This game is available for live broadcast on ESPN and in Spanish on ESPN Deportes. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and Fubo with the latter offering a FREE trial to new subscribers.

UK/Canada/India: This game is available for live streaming on the club’s channel Chelsea TV.

Australia: This game is available for streaming on Paramount+.