It has been over six months since Real Madrid outdid Barcelona in the tense race to sign Arda Guler from Fenerbahce. The player arrived as one of world football’s most promising talents and Los Blancos’ long-term solution for the midfield.
In the 180 days that have passed since the Turkish phenom has not donned the white jersey once. Injuries have tormented him to no end from the initial meniscal tear to the subsequent muscular lesions, and it is only as of January that he has made it to the squad list with the medical green light.
Debut incoming
Guler has only been on Real Madrid’s squad list thrice all season, with a debut not arriving on any of the three occasions out of caution. He was called up for Real Madrid’s most recent game against Mallorca as well but stayed on the bench throughout the ninety.
MARCA brings a massive update, revealing that Guler’s debut is likely to arrive against Arandina later today. In fact, the youngster is expected to start on the night, thus commanding a large share of minutes in the knockout fixture.
After all, Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the same in his pre-match press conference yesterday.
“Arda Güler has options to start tomorrow,” he said when asked about the youngster.
Clubs on the prowl
Real Madrid have always maintained that Guler is a signing for the long-term future, thus implying that his acute struggle with injury does not perturb them. The management have full faith in the player to come good and manage his fitness over time.
Yet, several clubs in the Bundesliga have sensed an opportunity to lure Guler away from Real Madrid on a loan spell in January. The Merengues, however, have no intention of parting ways with the protege who has just recovered from injury.