As the FIFA World Cup in North America this summer edges ever closer, two Real Madrid players have been named in their countries preliminary squads for the tournament
Although there are still three Real Madrid games left to complete this season, the attention of many fans has turned to this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America, with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening game just 30 days from now.
In every game across the globe being played, fans are beginning to get very anxious whenever a player goes down with an injury.
Real Madrid know all too well, with both Rodrygo and Eder Militao being ruled out for the World Cup with serious injuries.
One Los Blancos player who is set to represent Brazil this summer is Vinicius. The number seven has been named in the Selecao's preliminary squad by his former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti.
Due to those aforementioned injuries, he is the only one from the famous white colours to be in the squad. Though, club legend Casemiro has also got the nod in this preliminary squad.
Meanwhile, keeping on the topic of South America, Franco Mastantuono has been named in Argentina's preliminary squad by manager Lionel Scaloni. Interestingly, he is in the squad, whilst Paulo Dybala isn't.
So, although there are of course bloated squads, it is quite the vote of confidence in the Real Madrid forward that he is in the squad over a player of Dybala's pedigree and clout in the game.
It has been a tough season for the teenager since joining from River Plate in the summer, and there has been some talk that he will be sent out on loan next season. It will be very interesting to see whether or not he makes Scaloni's final cut for the summer.
With Vinicius, you know he's going to be in the squad. It isn't even something worth considering. In fact, you could arguably say the same for the starting XI. Since his former club boss Ancelotti took over, he has started all eight games for the Selecao, the only player to do so.
And with such a little window for the Italian to prepare, there is absolutely no reason for him to start Vinicius in so many consecutive games, just to not start him at the World Cup, when it all really matters.
As for Mastantuono, things are much more up in the air. There is the small matter of Lionel Messi being in his position/role, as well as very talented players such as Nico Paz, who is expected to return to the club this summer.
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