Real Madrid News
Real Madrid teenager could earn first call-up to the squad for Rayo Vallecano clash
After a prolonged wait, Real Madrid teenage prodigy Arda Guler could finally earn his first call-up to the squad list for the game against Rayo Vallecano, reports Mario Cortegana of The Athletic.
Guler has been working regularly with the group in recent days and as such, his chances of featuring on the squad list for Sunday’s games are growing, states Cortegana.
Frustrating start for Guler
Signed from Fenerbahce during the summer transfer window, Arda Guler arrived at Real Madrid and generated a lot of excitement with his performances in training during the pre-season.
However, a knee injury while on the pre-season tour of the USA meant that he needed surgery and missed the first couple of months of the new campaign.
The Turkish teenage prodigy made his return to training in September and appeared all set to be called up to the squad for the game against Las Palmas, only to suffer a new injury in the final training session before the match.
Having worked his way back to full fitness, the former Fenerbahce wonderkid has been training regularly with the group since the conclusion of the last international break.
But, Real Madrid have been patient with the youngster and have opted against rushing him into action.
However, the 18-year-old’s moment could finally come this weekend as the chances of him getting named in the squad list appear to be rising.
If he does get into the roster, there may even be a chance that Guler makes his Real Madrid debut against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid are back in the Champions League following their impressive win against Cadiz on the weekend as they host Napoli at the Santiago Bernabeu for gameweek five.
They have already secured qualification to the round of 16, and even a point today would secure first place in the group.
With several players still injured, Carlo Ancelotti has opted for his best available starting lineup, with Daniel Carvajal taking responsibility of the captain’s armband at right-back. He will be aided by Ferland Mendy, who starts on the other side.
Meanwhile, in between them, David Alaba returns to the fold as the starting centre-back, partnering Antonio Rudiger. This duo has the responsibility of screening Andriy Lunin, who continues in goal in Kepa and Thibaut Courtois’ absence.
With both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni out, Toni Kroos gets the chance to play as the holding midfielder for two games in a row. Federico Valverde retains his spot, as well, while Dani Ceballos comes in for the injured Luka Modric in central midfield.
Rodrygo will spearhead the team’s frontline as one of the two twin forwards, while Brahim Diaz gets the nod over Joselu. Jude Bellingham is the final, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, playing behind the front-two.
📋✅ Our starting 𝗫𝗜!
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) November 29, 2023
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Confirmed Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Alaba, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Ceballos; Bellingham; Diaz, Rodrygo
