Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has advised those calling for Arda Guler to make his debut to “calm down” after the teenager was benched against Mallorca.

Madrid paid Fenerbahce €20 million (£17 million) for Guler during the summer, but supporters have yet to see the 18-year-old Turkey international in action owing to injury.

Despite Guler’s recent triumph, staff decided last month to postpone his introduction until 2024, instead focusing on training and improving his fitness and resilience.

It raised hopes that the kid might get his chance in Wednesday night’s La Liga match against Mallorca, and he was actually named to the matchday squad. Guler, on the other hand, was an unused replacement in the 1-0 triumph won by Antonio Rudiger’s late header.

“It’s okay, calm down,” Ancelotti said after being questioned by media about the reason Guler didn’t play in the game. “Calm down, he’s 18 years old.” It’s something I’m well aware of. Everyone must be patient. He has it, and I have it. We must all have it.”

Guler had a similar situation in November when he was named to the bench for the match against Rayo Vallecano. However, due to the tight nature of the game, which ended 0-0, Ancelotti decided against throwing him into the deep end after not playing since June.

Madrid have a busy month ahead of them, which means Guler will have plenty of chances to make his debut for the club.

Ancelotti is expected to choose a young team to face fourth-tier club Arandina in the Copa del Rey round of 32 on Saturday. If Madrid progresses through the rounds as planned, there could be last 16 and quarter-final ties to play in the Copa before the end of January.

Ancelotti’s club will then face Almeria and Las Palmas in the league, but will also travel to Saudi Arabia in the middle of the month for at least one Supercopa de Espana encounter.