Arda Guler named in Real Madrid squad for Rayo Vallecano clash
- Real Madrid paid £17m to sign Guler from Fenerbahce this summer
- Teenage midfielder underwent knee surgery in pre-season
- Madrid host Vallecano on Sunday
By Tom Gott
Arda Guler has been named in Real Madrid's squad for the first time this season ahead of Sunday's meeting with Rayo Vallecano.
The Turkish teenager, a £17m signing from Fenerbahce during the summer, underwent knee surgery shortly after his arrival, before a minor setback delayed his debut further.
Now back in training, Guler has moved one step closer to making his first appearance for Carlo Ancelotti's side by earning a place in Sunday's squad.
"He started training this week with the team," Ancelotti said ahead of the game. "He is recovered but he lacks minutes.
"He will be in the squad. We are going to prepare a specific plan to improve his physical condition but the most important thing is that he has started to work with us and show his qualities."
Local reports state that Guler may still not make his debut against Vallecano, with Madrid expected to organise a behind-closed-doors friendly in the coming days to give Guler the chance to get closer to full fitness before a competitive debut.
Just how Guler will fit into Ancelotti's team remains to be seen. The 18-year-old spent most of his time in Turkey as an attacking midfielder, shining in the same position as current top scorer Jude Bellingham.
Asked about Guler's position in the lineup, Ancelotti insisted his versatility could see him used in a number of different positions.
"He is an offensive player, who can play as a midfielder or as a right winger with the opposite foot," the boss said
"If we play with a three-man midfield, he can play inside, depending on the demands of the game."
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