Real Madrid News
Real Madrid teenage prodigy aims to return from injury by the end of the month
When Real Madrid beat Barcelona to the signing of Arda Guler from Fenerbahce in the summer window, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the 18-year-old’s arrival.
And, the hype around the Turkish wonderkid continued to build as reports emerged of his eye-catching displays in pre-season training, building up the anticipation for his debut.
But a knee injury early in the pre-season tour of the US meant that Guler is yet to take the field for Real Madrid in any game, official or unofficial.
The Turkish attacking midfielder underwent surgery in August to treat his injury and initial reports suggested that he could be out until the international break in October.
Guler hoping to return sooner
However, a fresh update from Mundo Deportivo claims that Guler is making good progress in his recovery and is aiming to be back by the end of this month.
Guler has been working hard on his recovery at the club’s Valdebebas training facilities in the hope of returning to action before the end of September.
The 18-year-old has missed each of Real Madrid’s four La Liga games so far this season and will be unavailable for the next match against Real Sociedad, right after the international break.
Beyond that, the young attacking prodigy will also miss the UEFA Champions League group stage opener against Union Berlin.
The matches against Atletico Madrid and Las Palmas in the last week of September could be touch and go, although it would not come as a surprise to see Real Madrid err on the side of caution and delay his return to avoid any further risks.
Real Madrid staff blown away by Guler
While fans continue to wait to see Guler in the Royal White shirt, the coaching staff at the club got glimpses of his natural talent and ability in training sessions prior to his injury.
And, if reports are to be believed, the Real Madrid staff has been left shocked by the quality that the 18-year-old possesses.
Naturally, there is a lot of excitement around the teenage prodigy and fans will be hoping to see him out on the pitch at the earliest possible.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
