"He's going to cook today", "Masterclass incoming" - Fans react as Real Madrid star named in XI to face Leganes

Fans have reacted on social media after Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti named Arda Guler in the starting XI to face Leganes. The two teams will lock horns at Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday, November 24.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returned to the squad after missing out on the last four league games with an adductor injury. A lack of options in defense has seen Ancelotti deploy Federico Valverde at right-back, while Fran Garcia takes the left-back position. Antonio Rudiger is patnered in the heart of defense by youngster Raul Asencio.

In midfield is the trio of Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Ceballos. Jude Bellingham has been deployed in a more attacking role alongside Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe.

Fans on X were pleased to see Guler named in Real Madrid's starting XI. The 19-year-old has struggled for game time this season, making just eight league appearances, four of which have been off the bench.

One fan posted:

"He’s going to COOK today!"

"Masterclass incoming," a second fan wrote upon seeing Guler in the starting XI.

"Finally the wait is over!!" another fan commented.

"We are going to cook," one fan tweeted.

"Superstar boy, another user hailed Guler.

Real Madrid will hope to secure all three points against Leganes and close the gap with league leaders Barcelona. The Catalan giants dropped points after playing out a 2-2 draw with Celta Vigo yesterday (November 23).

Florentino Perez gives injury update on Real Madrid defender David Alaba

Real Madrid club president Florentino Perez has provided an update on the recovery of David Alaba. The Austrian centre-back has been out since December 2023 after a tear to his cruciate ligament.

Speaking recently, Perez hinted that Alaba could be back to the team soon as he was in the final stages of his recovery. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):

“David Alaba is in the final phase of his recovery”.

Alaba's return to the team will be a huge boost for Los Blancos. The LaLiga giants are currently undermanned in the defensive department, with injuries to multiple first-team defenders.

Since joining from Bayern Munich in 2021, Alaba has contributed five goals and nine assists in 102 appearnaces for Los Blancos.