Arda Guler's wait continues! Real Madrid starlet will not make his debut this year - but La Liga giants expect him back soon

The 18-year-old Guler has been unable to break into the first team in the Spanish capital since his summer switch from Fenerbahce. The young prospect has struggled with injury and remains a long way down the pecking order as the likes of Jude Bellingham light up the Bernabeu in his position.

Guler is now unlikely to feature for Madrid in either of their remaining fixtures against Villarreal and Alaves this calendar year. The Madrid coaching staff do not wish to rush the bright but raw star into the limelight too quickly and are happy to wait until fixtures in the Spanish Supercup and Copa del Rey to give Guler his chance to shine.

Guler became the first Turkish player to sign for Real Madrid since Nuri Sahin joined from Borussia Dortmund. Sahin, also once hotly tipped for stardom, struggled with injury and was unable to break into the Madrid line-up. Guler will be hoping to avoid a similar fate.

Guler will have to be patient for his first opportunity to pull on a Madrid shirt. His highly anticipated debut should come next year and the Turk will be aiming to reach the heights of his idol, and former Madrid hero, Mesut Ozil.