Why Is Arda Guler Benched For Turkey Vs Portugal? Is He Injured? Decoding Why Real Madrid Ace Got Benched

19-year-old midfielder Arda Guler garnered Tukiye’s MVP status after he powered the nation’s 3-1 electric win against Georgia at the UEFA Euro. However, in a shock, the Turkish coach Vincenzo Montella left Guler on the bench in the ongoing heavyweight clash against Portugal. Montella In Guler’s absence, Turkiye has trailed Portugal to the second half of the game. So why did Montella leave the midfield prodigy out?

As per Vincenzo Montella’s pre-game presser, the Turkish entourage would access Guler before the Portugal tie. “Unfortunately, physically, he’s not 100% fit,” Montella told a press conference on Friday. “He’s not doing so well, so we will decide whether to field him tomorrow, only at the last minute. I hope to have him,” said Montella. It is alarming for the Turkish side to note that their star player is yet to be physically at his best, as he has not taken to the field for Turkiye till the second half. After scoring a screamer in his debut, Guler was notably called back by the Turkey boss in the 79th minute.

However, in a minor respite for Turkish fans, Arda Guler was brought in the 69th minute of the game, when Turkiye was trailing Portugal 3-0. Therefore, it is safe to say that the Real Madrid prodigy is not nursing any injury. Besides, the midfielder’s fans can optimistically hope that the Turkish boss saved Guler’s firepower in their final group game against the Czech Republic. Since the Portugal tie has slipped away from Guler’s side, a win is necessary for them to cruise into the Euro’s knockouts. Turkiye’s faithful can’t let out a breather yet. Guler’s physical discomfort, even if it is minor, is alarming, as the youngster spent an injury-riddled 2023-24 season at Madrid.

Arda Guler’s uncanny tryst with injuries

Arda Guler’s footballing skill set is beyond any doubt. However, his physical wellness has been a concern since 2021 while he played for the Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce. Guler is so injury-prone that he missed 16 matches from 2021 to 22 seasons till the 2022-23 season and rested several days due to injuries and other illnesses as well. During his debut season(2023-24) at Real Madrid, Arda Guler sat out an alarming 29 matches due to a recurring muscle injury. After 145 days of rest in Madrid, the Turkish star resumed action for the Blancos after his side had already secured the La Liga title. He scored five goals in five games for the Spanish side and ended the otherwise injury-ridden season.

Real Madrid cannot overlook the fact that there is a chance for injury woes to haunt Guler in the coming season. The intense action at the Euros can trouble the already fatigued youngster in the coming days. So it remains to be seen if the Spanish powerhouse will loan Guler for the time being till he returns more injury-averse. Let’s, however, hope Madrid continues to bet on a healthy Guler’s elite services.