Real Madrid confirm squad to face Rayo Vallecano: Arda Güler in contention for debut

It’s been a long time coming, but we could finally get our first glimpse of Arda Güler in a Real Madrid shirt in Sunday’s LaLiga game against Rayo Vallecano. Los Blancos named their squad for the fixture on Saturday, with the Turkish wonderkid’s name appearing for the very first time.

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Why has Güler not played for Madrid yet?

The 18-year-old has made a big impression on the training field since moving to Spain, with his tricks, flicks and long-range goals regularly posted on social media in the weeks after he signed in the summer. However, two separate injuries have prevented him from making his debut for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, with a pre-season knee issue immediately followed by a thigh problem.

In his pre-match press conference, the Italian head coach confirmed there was a chance Güler could take to the field against city rivals Rayo. “This week, he’s started to train with the rest of the group. He’ll be in the matchday squad tomorrow. Little by little, he’ll get some game time. We’re going to create a special program for him to follow for him to improve his fitness. But the most important thing is he’s started working with us and is showing his quality.”

What type of player is Güler?

Ancelotti also discusses how he might deploy Güler now that he is in consideration to play: “He’s an attack-minded player. He can play in the hole, as a centre forward, as an inverted winger on the right. He could even play as a left or right central midfielder in a three.”

Why is Ferland Mendy not in the squad?

In addition to injured quartet Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militão, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Dani Ceballos, one man who will not play against Rayo is left-back Ferland Mendy. The Frenchman, says Ancelotti, is suffering from muscle fatigue but should be available for Wednesday’s Champions League home game against Braga.