Real Madrid got a major boost ahead of their first match of 2024 against RCD Mallorca at Santiago Bernabeu as Turk prodigy Arda Guler is set to make his much-awaited debut, reported MARCA on Sunday.
Guler completed all the exercises and participated in the team’s open training session as he now looks closer than ever to his debut with Los Blancos.
If everything goes according to plan, Guler will be seen wearing Madrid’s shirt for the first time since moving to the Spanish capital against Mallorca at the Bernabeu.
The club wants him to play his first minutes at the home ground so the 18-year-old can gain confidence. If Guler made a positive impression during his cameo against Mallorca, he could have his first start for the Whites on January 6 when Madrid will play Arandila in a Copa del Ray round of 32 clash.
It must be noted that Guler tore his meniscus in a training session during the Whites' pre-season tour to the United States in July, and underwent knee arthroscopy in August.
He was expected to return in November but the 18-year-old picked up a muscle injury in a training session and was ruled out for a month.
The club consider Guler to be the one for the future and due to that, they did not rush the Turk’s comeback even when he was declared fit by the medical team.
It is worth mentioning that Los Blancos are having a difficult time dealing with injuries. During the match against Villarreal on December 18, David Alaba became the third player after Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois to tear his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and was ruled out eight months of action.
Los Blancos are now left with only two natural centre-backs in the squad, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho Fernandez — who is suspended for the next league match after picking up a red card against Alaves.
Real Madrid’s injury list and their expected return time
Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal (training alone with the ball, return in January)
Ferland Mendy (January)
Eduardo Camavinga (Mid/Late January)
Eder Miltao (Late February/Early March)
Thibaut Courtois (April)
David Alaba (August/September)