Turkish talent Arda Guler ends 2023 with a bittersweet taste. He fulfilled his dream of signing for Real Madrid, but the downside is that he has yet to make a competitive debut wearing the white jersey due to injuries. Initially, and always with caution due to recent precedents, his moment is expected to arrive at the start of 2024. Even during these Christmas holidays, the Madrid player hasn’t wasted time and has worked individually to continue his progress and preparation.💣🚨| Arda Guler has shortened his vacations and now training at Valdebebas. #HalaMadrid | #MadridistaBD pic.twitter.com/hCXDjFAVLZ— Peña Madridista Bangladesh 🇧🇩 (@pmadridistabd) December 28, 2023 There is no exact return date, although Guler could be included in the squad for the Supercopa de Espana starting against Atletico on 10 January. The idea is for the player to join the team’s training gradually after the holidays. However, the first match of 2024, on 3 January against Mallorca at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, seems premature as the footballer was still training individually in the last session before the game against Alaves on 20 December.On 30 November, Guler returned to Valdebebas to train alone. This marked his fourth recovery phase since he first got injured during a training session on the tour in the United States. He subsequently underwent knee surgery on 14 August and has since faced two muscle injuries. The first occurred on 26 September. Guler had completed the entire training and was set to be on the squad for the match against Sevilla, but he suffered an injury right at the end of the session, catching even coach Carlo Ancelotti by surprise, as he wasn’t aware of it while giving the pre-match press conference.The Madrid player began his second recovery and rehabilitation process. After making his first two call-ups on 5 November against Rayo and on 8 November in the Champions League against Braga, the former Fenerbahce youngster missed training on 10 November. Carlo explained at a press conference the next day that he had suffered a setback. It was another harsh blow for the player, who started a new recovery process without a return date and, in fact, is still not training with Los Blancos’ first team.##NAJAVA_MECA_7764738##Guler knows he has time left in the remainder of the season to turn things around. Ancelotti has been the first to reassure the player since his early days and, especially after the recent woes. “I have personal experience of sitting out injured for two years when I was 21 and then coming back. Guler’s future is not in doubt. He’s depressed because he wants to play. It’s just a setback.”For Guler, what’s important in this second part of the season is the Copa del Rey, which could also provide the young talent with playing minutes. Real Madrid debuts against Arandina on 6 January, and there are likely to be more commitments later on. The aim for 2024 is to gain confidence and showcase his quality, also with an eye on the Euros taking place in Germany. Turkey’s coach, Vincenzo Montella, has counted on him since taking charge last September and was even at Valdebebas two months ago chatting with Ancelotti and the player himself to reiterate his trust.It’s not Lionel Messi, it’s Arda Güler 💫 pic.twitter.com/3Z7d5Sb4pC— 𝑨𝒓𝒅𝒂 𝑮𝒖̈𝒍𝒆𝒓 ® (@ArdaGuler10__) December 28, 2023 Given the lack of playing time and his 18 years of age, alongside the competition at Madrid, there have been rumours of a possible loan in January as there are clubs interested in giving Guler an opportunity. However, neither the club nor the player considers this scenario for this season.
