Arda Guler has been included in the Real Madrid squad for the La Liga clash at home against Mallorca tonight.
Guler could finally be set to make his debut after a lengthy wait on the sidelines. The Turkish international has impressed in training but a cruel knee injury sidelined him during the pre-season US tour.
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
Watching his teammates climb the La Liga table and clinch Champions League qualification from the sidelines, Guler reportedly grappled with “sadness and anger,” as confided by Dani Carvajal as reported by Forbes.
False starts and setbacks fueled uncertainty, but now, his name etched on the official squad list means he could finally get his first minutes for his new club.
Real boss Carlos Ancelotti revealed that he will give Guler his debut if he is ‘good to go’ but he will not rush him if unnecessary after dealing with the previous set backs.
“The important thing for him is that he’s fine and he’s back to his best level little by little,” explained Ancelotti, during his pre-match press conference ahead of Madrid’s first fixture of 2024.
“He’s very young and we don’t want to be in a hurry with him. He’s good to go. If we can give him minutes tomorrow we’ll give them to him, if not in another game.“
Against Mallorca, a comfortable lead late in the game might unlock the Guler cameo he wants.
This debut, for many, feels like a fresh signing given his absence all season. Ancelotti, recently secured until 2026, has declared no winter transfer plans, making Guler a crucial injection of youthful flair.
Guler who joined from Fenerbahce over the summer amid high expectations will not be leaving Real either on a permanent or temporary move this summer.
