Arda Guler has so far had a torrid start to his Real Madrid career and has yet to feature for the side after suffering a knee injury in August.

After multiple setbacks, the Turkish international is set to return on December 17 when his side play Villarreal at home.

AS are also reporting that Aurelien Tchouameni may also be fit for Real Madrid's final home game of 2023.

Madrid's injury problems are finally starting to ease as technical staff are expecting the imminent return of Guler and Tchouameni to ease their midfield shortages, although Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, Vinicius Jr, Dani Carvajal remain out.

Should the midfield duo not appear against the Yellow Submarine, their return will be delayed until January 3, with Carlo Ancelotti skeptical of weather conditions in their away trip to Deportivo Alaves, where the temperature is expected to drop to minus one.

Ancelotti and his staff want to be cautious and would prefer to reintroduce the players under better conditions.

While Guler will be desperate to make his first league appearance before the year is out, the medical staff will ultimately have the final say, as the 18-year-old's eagerness to return in the past has led to further setbacks.

GSFN | Finn Entwistle.