Carlo Ancelotti issues Arda Güler injury update: when will he make his debut for Real Madrid?

Arda Güler’s recovery from his most recent injury continues to go smoothly and there now appears to be a chance the young Turk could make his Real Madrid debut before the end of 2023. In his pre-match press conference before Saturday’s LaLiga game against Real Betis, manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed the 18-year-old was making good progress as he attempts to return to full fitness, although the Italian could yet opt for caution given Güler’s constant injury issues since his move to Spain.

Ancelotti: Güler “really close” to being fully fit

“He is at the end of his recovery work. He’ll do the most intense part of it next week. He’s really close to being fully fit. I speak to him every day, as I do with every injured player. And that takes up a lot of time, because there are a lot of them at the moment…,” Ancelotti said half-jokingly in Valdebebas. The Italian will no doubt be frustrated almost a third of his first-team roster is unavailable, although that could boost Güler’s chances of making his first appearance for the club sooner rather than later.

Alavés, Mallorca or Copa del Rey for potential debut?

If the youngster is able to return to and keep up with full training with the rest of his teammates next week, he could be called up for Los Blancos’ last fixture of 2023, which will see them face Alavés in Vitoria on 21 December. The Turk would likely only get some game time as a substitute if the scoreline were comfortably in Madrid’s favour.

On the flip side, there is almost a two-week break until the next game at home to Mallorca on 3 January, while the Round of 32 of the Copa del Rey is due to be played on 6-7 January. A game against a lower-division team could be the perfect opportunity to ease Güler back into action.

What injuries has Güler had since signing for Real Madrid?

The Turkey international has had dreadful injury luck since signing for the LaLiga giants from Fenerbahçe in July. He was forced to undergo surgery after partially tearing his meniscus on the pre-season tour of the United States, then suffered a thigh injury on the eve of his potential debut at the end of September.

After recovering, Güler was on the bench for two matches in early November but didn’t get on the field, with Ancelotti wanting to give him a taste of the first team as he continued to build up his fitness and indeed bulk up. But the attacking midfielder was stopped in his tracks once more by another muscle strain, which the club fear was caused by asking him to do too much too soon.

Madrid and Güler are desperate for this to be the last of his injury issues for the time being. With Ancelotti short on numbers, there is an opportunity for the Turk to make an impact if he can finally reach full fitness.