Why Isn’t Mbappé Playing in the League Match Against Getafe?
Real Madrid is set to host Getafe at Santiago Bernabéu on Monday at 21:00. This match is crucial as Madrid aims to close the gap with FC Barcelona, who currently leads La Liga by four points.
Why Isn’t Mbappé Playing in the League Match Against Getafe?
Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid’s top scorer, will miss his second consecutive match. He was absent in the Champions League playoff against Benfica and will also sit out this fixture due to injury. The French striker has netted 23 goals in 23 league appearances, contributing nearly half of Madrid’s goals this season.
Impact of Mbappé’s Absence
Without Mbappé, Vinicius Junior will lead the attack for Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward has increased his performance in 2026, scoring in five consecutive matches. Gonzalo García will play as the primary striker, while Rodrygo Goes, who missed the last three league games, is back on the bench as an option.
Additional Player Absences
Mbappé’s absence is not the only concern for coach Arbeloa. Several key players are also unavailable:
- Raúl Asencio – out with cervical injury.
- Bellingham – currently injured.
- Militao – sidelined due to injury.
- Ceballos – also unavailable due to health issues.
Squad Adjustments
Despite these setbacks, Arbeloa has options. He will be able to deploy Rodrygo and has included Huijsen in the squad, despite him carrying a minor injury. To address the player shortages, the coach has called up several Castilla team players: Cestero, Manuel Ángel, Palacios, and Thiago Pitarch will join the first-team lineup.
Real Madrid aims to bounce back after their recent defeat at El Sadar, following which FC Barcelona has taken the lead. The absence of Mbappé is pivotal as he was instrumental in Madrid’s previous encounter against Getafe, scoring the winning goal in the first leg. His recovery is being monitored closely, hoping he will be ready for crucial matches later in the season.
