Real Madrid’s new star Arda Guler was on everyone’s lips during pre-season in Spain but a knee injury took him down.
The 18-year-old was fired from the pre-season tour of the United States after a knee meniscus injury was discovered. Back in the Spanish capital, it was rumored that the injury could require him to undergo surgery, which would have kept him out of action for 3-5 months.
However, Los Blancos, keen to avoid surgery, are undergoing conservative treatment for Guler, and the prognosis is positive. The prognosis was initially two months, but Carlo Ancelotti reduced this time even further, as he told Diario AS.
“Talking about medical issues is complicated. It is not a serious problem. We wondered whether to do a conservative treatment or an operation. In the worst case, it’s a month“.
He added that Guler looked like an “alien” due to his age.
Sport has now referenced reports leaked by Turkish outlet Milliyet that Fenerbahçe and Guler knew about his knee problems ahead of his transfer, which could amount to around €35m in commissions and fees.
According to the newspaper, Fenerbahçe and coach Jorge Jesus were told in March that the only way to permanently resolve the injury was surgery, but they too opted for conservative treatment. Considering their needs at the end of the season, they decided to forego the operation, and Guler continued to play for Turkey and for Fenerbahçe. I can play at 60% of my abilities”, “sometimes it hurts”he reportedly told Turkish medical staff ahead of the March matches.
That’s not to say that Guler or Fenerbahçe were necessarily dishonest – Real Madrid carried out their own medicals, and all parties were able to conclude that he was fully recovered by that time.
Either way, Real Madrid are unlikely to have a change of heart given Guler’s prodigious talent. They may handle the matter differently if they feel it is a recurring problem.
