Milan reveals pre-season roster: Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao included, but where are Santiago Gimenez and Luka Modric?

Milan has officially released their 2025 pre-season tour squad, which features headline names like Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, but notably omits new signing Luka Modric and star striker Santiago Gimenez.

Milan has officially released their 2025 pre-season tour squad, which features headline names like Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leao, but notably omits new signing Luka Modric and star striker Santiago Gimenez. Their absence from Massimiliano Allegri’s travelling team immediately raised questions among fans, especially after both players had been involved in key competitions earlier in the summer.

The Rossoneri are preparing for a globetrotting pre-season, with matches lined up against Arsenal in Singapore (July 23), Liverpool in Hong Kong (July 26), and Perth Glory in Australia (July 31). These friendlies are part of the team’s buildup to what promises to be a defining season under Allegri, who is set to lead the team in his first full campaign back at the helm.

A number of first-team regulars are included, such as Rafael Leao, Fikayo Tomori, Mike Maignan, and Pulisic, even though the American winger did not feature in a recent in-house friendly against Milan Futuro. The squad also features new arrivals Samuele Ricci and Pietro Terracciano, who will be closely watched as they attempt to integrate into Allegri’s system.

Yet, the glaring absences of Modric and Gimenez cast a brief shadow over the announcement, sparking widespread speculation.

Modric and Gimenez: The real reason behind their absence

After the squad announcement, attention quickly turned to Modric and Gimenez. Milan fans speculated whether their absence indicated injury, transfer uncertainty, or managerial decisions. The truth, however, is far more mundane and reassuring.

“Luka Modric, Milan’s only other new recruit this summer, has been granted extra time off after his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States earlier this month,” the club confirmed. The Croatian legend, who joined Milan on a free transfer, was key for Real Madrid during their run to the Club World Cup title, and Allegri has chosen to allow the 39-year-old to fully recharge before joining up with his new teammates.

As for Santiago Gimenez, who sparked alarm with his unexpected omission, Milan clarified that “he is still on his personal holidays after his participation in the Gold Cup with the Mexico national team.” The striker was instrumental in El Tri’s deep run in the tournament and will return to Milan’s squad once he concludes his mandated post-international break.

Milan’s squad in full

Goalkeepers: Maignan, P. Terracciano, Torriani, Raveyre.
Defenders: Gabbia, Tomori, Thiaw, Pavlovic, Jimenez, Bartesaghi, Dutu, Magni.
Midfielders: Ricci, Fofana, Musah, Bondo, Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic, Saelemaekers, Comotto.
Forwards: Leao, Colombo, Chukwueze, Liberali, Okafor.