Cristiano Ronaldo Remains on Holiday as Real Madrid Name 26-Man Squad for US Tour

​Real Madrid have named a 26-man travelling squad for their pre-season tour of the United States this summer as serious preparations get underway for 2017/18 to defend La Liga and Champions League titles Los Blancos collected last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo is an expected omission from the group. The Portuguese superstar was in action for his country at the Confederations Cup until the start of July and isn't likely to return to training until early August to ensure he has a full four weeks to rest and recuperate.

The likes of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Marcelo and Toni Kroos were all among those who boarded the plane in Madrid on Tuesday afternoon. Club captain Sergio Ramos was absent but is expected to link up with the rest of the squad soon.

Teenage left-back Theo Hernandez is also part of the squad after completing his move from cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid, while a number of Castilla players, including defenders Alvaro Tejero and Achraf Hakimi, have been promoted for the trip.

Zinedine Zidane's son Luca has been promoted to the role of fourth choice goalkeeper as he looks to compete with Rubén Yáñez to earn a place in the first-team squad this season.

Marco Asensio and new number three Jesus Vallejo are not with the group after representing Spain at the recent Under-21 European Championship in Poland.

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Kiko Casilla, Rubén Yáñez, Luca Zidane

Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Theo Hernandez, Danilo, Luismi Quezada, Alvaro Tejero, Achraf Hakimi, Manu Hernando

Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modric, Isco, Mateo Kovacic, Óscar, Franchu

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Lucas Vázquez, Alvaro Morata, Dani Gómez

Real will play four matches in total in America, with games against Manchester United, Manchester City and Barcelona, only the second Clásico in history to take place outside Spain, in the International Champions Cup, as well as meeting an MLS All-Star XI.

The team will return to Europe to face Manchester United again in the UEFA Super Cup in Macedonia on 8th August, by which time Ronaldo could be back in contention.