Arda Guler: Why Ancelotti Didn’t Give ‘Turkish Messi’ His Long Awaited Debut vs Mallorca

• Carlo Ancelotti has explained why Arda Guler has yet to make his Real Madrid debut
• After being blighted by injuries, Guler was expected to feature against Real Mallorca
• The 'Turkish Messi' is yet to make his competitive bow since his summer transfer

Carlo Ancelotti left football aficionados and Real Madrid faithful bemused when he opted against handing Arda Guler his long-awaited debut against Real Mallorca on Wednesday evening.

Guler has had his debut for Los Blancos delayed due to nagging injuries, which have kept him away from the first team since his summer move from Fenerbache.

Similar to the Champions League match versus Braga, Guler was seen warming up during the second half but ultimately did not step onto the field.

Fast forward to Wednesday, January 3, and Real managed to secure a late goal through an unlikely source, Antonio Rudiger, as Ancelotti opted to substitute Lucas Vazquez and Dani Ceballos instead.

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According to Transfermarkt, the Turkish wonderkid has missed 25 games (19 La Liga games and six Champions League ties) due to injuries but looks likely to don the all-white shirt sooner rather than later.

Why Arda didn't play against Mallorca

When quizzed on why he opted against fielding the 18-year-old, the Italian tactician prayed for patience while assuring that Arda Guler is dear to the Madrid project both presently and in the future.

"[Arda Guler] is fine and calm. He's very happy to be back. He's just 18, calm and relaxed. He's our present and future," Carlo Ancelotti told the media after the 1-0 win against Mallorca via Tribuna.

He added: "We all have to be patient. Little by little. He will have his game time."

Arda Guler's potential Madrid debut

The teen talent could finally make his bow for the White Angels in their away fixture against lower-tier side Arandina in the Copa del Rey on Saturday, January 6, according to Sofascore.

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Manager Carlo Ancelotti is likely to shuffle the lineup after their narrow win against Mallorca in La Liga, granting several key first-team players some rest ahead of a congested schedule.

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Arda Guler rated above Messi

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Turkish coach Erol Tokgözler, who trained Arda Guler before he signed for Fenerbahçe at the age of 13 when he was still at Genclerbirligi, has made a bold claim comparing the young attacker with Messi.

Possessing skills similar to those of Lionel Messi, the Turkish sensation has often dazzled many with his impeccable talent and show-stopper abilities.

But Tokgözler believes the Real Madrid forward has more potential than Messi.