Injuries have become a major issue for Real Madrid this season, causing significant problems for Carlo Ancelotti.
The manager is currently without several key players, including Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga. As if these absences weren’t enough, Brahim Diaz has now been added to the growing list of sidelined players.
Brahim, who recently started in the match against Real Sociedad with hopes of securing a regular spot in the first team, is now expected to be out for the next three months.
This is a significant setback for Real Madrid, but at the same time, it provides an opportunity for younger talents such as Arda Guler and Endrick to step up.
Window of opportunity for two teenagers
Replacing Brahim will not be easy, as he proved last season that he was capable of competing for a starting position.
However, Guler seems to be the most likely candidate to fill the gap left by Brahim. Endrick, on the other hand, is still adjusting to the club and European football, which may make his integration slower.
The Turk has already shown promise, having started in the match against Real Sociedad, although in a more withdrawn role. Ancelotti seems to see in Guler some of the qualities that he once found in Toni Kroos.
He excels in precise passing and his ability to deliver long balls, one of Kroos’ most notable strengths. Furthermore, Ancelotti believes that Guler is most effective when positioned closer to the attacking area, but his versatility allows him to contribute in deeper midfield roles as well.
In the recent game, Guler played as an inside midfielder alongside Luka Modric and Federico Valverde in a three-man midfield. The main question now is what role Guler will play in the upcoming match against Stuttgart.
Real Madrid will be closely monitoring the recovery of Bellingham and Tchouameni, both of whom missed the Real Sociedad game due to injury. If Ancelotti decides to risk bringing Tchouameni back, Guler might have to settle for a spot on the bench in the Champions League opener.
