Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui says he is “delighted” with his team’s preparations during a preseason that has been marred by players being absent due to the World Cup.

“At the moment, we’re doing double sessions and we’re delighted with the work, the attitude and enthusiasm of the players,” says Lopetegui.

“We have a lot young players contributing. There are no injuries, and we are taking big steps forward as we expected.”

With Spain having reached the knockout stages and Croatia and France going all the way to the final, several of Lopetegui’s key players are missing, but Lopetegui chose to talk up their quality rather than bemoan their absence – while reinforcing his happiness with the rest of the squad.

“We have excellent players on standby: (Sergio) Ramos, (Raphael) Varane, (Luka) Modric, (Mateo) Kovacic.”

“We are delighted with the team we have. We are convinced we can fight to achieve all of our objectives and work to be a good team.”

Madrid play Manchester United in their first preseason fixture, on Wednesday, and Lopetegui says the game will be a good test of his side’s readiness for the season ahead.

“The important thing is preparation for the season ahead. In terms of fitness, tactics, getting up to speed for the competition, some players need more time.

“But at Madrid there is no such thing as a friendly.

“We have had less time to prepare. I think that they have already played four games.

“We will try to be at our best, to put in a good performance and avoid injuries.

“We are moving forward in the preparation for the (European) Supercup; that is the first official game of the season.”