When Real Madrid signed Arda Guler in the summer, he was hailed as one of the biggest talents in European football and reports suggested that he had impressed his teammates with his performances in training immediately. Several months later, we are yet to see the Turkish wonderkid get his first minutes in the Royal White jersey.
That has been down to the number of injuries he has suffered since arriving at Real Madrid. He got injured in pre-season before he could even take part in a friendly. Then, he suffered another injury in September just when it looked like he was set to get some chances.
And we are now seeing the same story play out once again. Guler looked close to his debut after making the bench in the previous two games. But now, he is set for another spell on the sidelines.
As reported by AS, Guler has suffered a small muscle tear in his right quadriceps. The estimated recovery period is close to a month.
Real Madrid must be worried about Guler after third injury
Carlo Ancelotti did not sound concerned about the long-term future of Guler despite his latest injury setback. As reported by ESPN, the Real Madrid manager said in a news conference:
"“Unfortunately it happened before the Braga game.“It didn’t seem like much, but it’s been bothering him since. It isn’t serious. Obviously the player is depressed, because he’s young and wants to contribute. It’s a small step backwards, it isn’t a relapse. He has the international break to recover.”"
He further continued:
"“The first one was a rupture of the meniscus.“He had surgery. Often that changes your posture a bit, you play more with the other foot, and during your recovery from the meniscus you can have muscular problems. That’s what has happened to Güler. His future is so bright.“I have personal experience, when I was 21 I stopped [playing] for two years, and I came back. His future isn’t in doubt. It’s just a moment. Let’s hope he can come back after the break.”"
Real Madrid fans have started to worry about Guler though. After all, this is his third injury in quick succession and he has not even played a minute of football for the club yet.
In recent years, there are many talented youngsters whose careers we have seen get derailed due to constant injury problems. Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona is an example of that. He seemed destined for the very top and was handed Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt after the Argentine left. Now, he finds himself out on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion, trying to rebuild his career.