He’s been dubbed Real Madrid’s “Turkish Messi,” although he’s more in the mold of midfielder Mesut Ozil. Everyone has been waiting for Arda Guler to make his Real Madrid debut. So what’s going with the 18-year-old at the Santiago Bernabeu, and when could he play for Los Blancos?
In October, the Turkish international was supposed to get his first minutes for Real Madrid against Braga in the Champions League. But that was postponed, as the player wasn’t 100% fit.
What was Guler’s first injury?
Guler suffered a meniscus problem during Real Madrid’s pre-season tour in the United States last summer. The minor surgery delayed his training, but he returned to practice in early October.
His debut seemed imminent. But then injury number two set in. A knock to his “left rectus femoris muscle” pushed back his recovery a few more weeks. Ancelotti included the midfielder in the squad for the La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on November 5. He never saw game time due the stalemate between the two clubs.
Surely, an appearance against Braga in the Champions League on November 8 and Valencia back home on Nov 11 would be in the cards. But not so fast — Guler felt bothered by pain in his quadriceps and sat on the bench.
On November 10, Real Madrid declared that Guler would be out for a month.
“Arda Güler got injured before Braga. He’s sad, it’s not serious injury — it’s just small setback,” said Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti. “His previous injury in the meniscus affects all the other muscular problems he’s having. Güler’s future is not in doubt. He will have an amazing future,” reassured the Italian.
So when will Arda Guler feature for Real Madrid?
The good news for Real Madrid fans is that the international break gives Arda extra time to recuperate.
“Arda Güler? He has to be at a 100% to be called up for the national team,” said Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella. The former Fenerbahce midfielder has four caps with his international side.
Guler should be 100% ready to play in Real Madrid’s next La Liga match against Cadiz on November 26. The $22 million player will also be eligible to make his Champions League debut for Los Blancos when they host Napoli on November 29 in the Champions League.
Show a bit more patience, Real Madrid fans. Arda’s first match is around the corner.
Photo: Twitter/CastleMadrid
