Real Madrid talent Arda Guler was finally included in a matchday squad for his new club over the weekend after several months of frustrating injury troubles, although he didn't get on the pitch.
Guler has been one of the most talked-about young players in the world over the past 12 months. Madrid won the race for his signature, beating rivals Barcelona and ultimately paying Fenerbahce a figure that was slightly over the teenager's release clause.
He was sent home prematurely from Madrid’s pre-season tour of the United States, without having kicked a ball, due to a knee problem that then required surgery to correct.
Guler resumed training and was declared fit by Carlo Ancelotti in late September. He was expected to make his debut against Las Palmas that month, only for a muscle problem to rule him out again.
The 18-year-old was back in training again last month, but Madrid staff were keen not to rush him.
Ancelotti deemed Guler ready for a place on the bench in Sunday’s La Liga visit from Rayo Vallecano, but there was no appearance as a substitute because of how the game was unfolding.
When the boss turned to his bench in a bid to try and win the game, which eventually finished 0-0, it was Nacho, Toni Kroos and Rodrygo who got the nod.
"It wasn't the time because there was a lot of fighting, a lot of high balls and a lot of duels. We have to go calmly and I think he will play soon," Ancelotti said of Guler's non-involvement.
Madrid's next two games are both also at home, with Braga visiting from Portugal in the Champions League on Wednesday and then Valencia making the trip inland in La Liga on Saturday. A more comfortable game in either fixture could see Guler finally make his debut.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Why Arda Guler didn't make his Real Madrid debut against Rayo Vallecano.