AC Milan Preseason Update: Modric and Gimenez Absent
On July 21, 2025, it was announced that Luka Modric and Santiago Gimenez will not be joining AC Milan’s preseason tour in the Asia-Pacific region. Coach Massimiliano Allegri has selected a squad of 26 players for the tour, which includes three friendlies over nine days. The team is set to face Arsenal in Singapore on Wednesday and then challenge Premier League champions Liverpool in Hong Kong three days later.
Milan will wrap up their tour on July 31 against Perth Glory in Australia. Modric, aged 39, is currently on vacation after participating in the Club World Cup with Real Madrid. He recently signed with Milan as a free agent, leaving Madrid as the most decorated player in history with 28 titles.
“I’m excited to see him on August 4,” Allegri commented on Modric, praising his championship caliber and leadership abilities. Meanwhile, Gimenez is expected to join preseason training on August 4 after enjoying a break following his contribution to Mexico’s Gold Cup victory earlier this month.
Gimenez has taken part in 14 league matches for Milan since transferring from Feyenoord in February, netting five goals. Milan finished 8th in Serie A last season, failing to qualify for Europe, and Allegri stressed the team’s goal of making a Champions League appearance, noting the competitive landscape in Italy.
Allegri has returned to Milan for his second stint after leading the team to the league title in 2011.
Fan Take: The absence of Modric and Gimenez highlights AC Milan’s challenges in building a cohesive team as they aim to reclaim their status in European football. Their participation in the upcoming matches is crucial, as it not only shapes the team’s immediate performance but also sets the tone for the upcoming season in Serie A and beyond.