Alvaro Arbeloa rubbished any suggestion that Kylian Mbappe's continued absence for Real Madrid is because of a desire not to exacerbate any injuries before the World Cup.
Mbappe was a notable absentee as Madrid defeated Benfica 2-1 on Wednesday to book their place in the Champions League last 16 thanks to a 3-1 aggregate play-off triumph.
The France superstar has struggled with a knee complaint this season and has been ruled out for an indefinite period.
Madrid host Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday before visiting Celta Vigo four days later, as they look to chip away at the four-point gap to Clasico rivals Barcelona in LaLiga.
Those games precede the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie at home to Premier League giants Manchester City, a game Los Blancos coach Arbeloa is unsure if Mbappe will be fit for.
But he insists that Mbappe representing France at the World Cup later this year has no bearing on any decision he makes regarding his availability.
"I gave everything I had for my club when I was playing, and then I gave my all when I was with my country," said former international Arbeloa.
"I don't understand players who save their energy, who don't get stuck in, who're thinking about doing anything other than giving their all for Real Madrid.
"That's how it will be in the next few months. There's no better way to go into a World Cup than performing well for your club."
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) March 1, 2026
Getafe, meanwhile, sit 13th in LaLiga, five points clear of the relegation zone after their four-game unbeaten streak (W2 D2) was ended by a 1-0 loss to Sevilla last time out.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Real Madrid – Vinicius Junior
Vinicius is a man in form, having scored in both legs of Madrid's play-off victory over Benfica.
Moreover, the Brazil ace has netted in his last three LaLiga matches (four goals). Only once before has he registered a longer scoring streak in the competition, which was between August and September 2022 (four goals in four games).
Getafe – Mauro Arambarri
Arambarri has been involved in five of Getafe's last eight goals in LaLiga, scoring four and assisting one.
He has faced no other opponent more often than Madrid in LaLiga without a single goal involvement (13 games, also 13 versus Athletic Club) and will be desperate to change that fact on Monday.
MATCH PREDICTION – REAL MADRID WIN
Madrid's record against Getafe in LaLiga is exemplary. Indeed, Los Blancos have won 21 of their last 24 matches against them in the top-flight (D2 L1), scoring a total of 55 goals (2.3 per game) and conceding just 10 during this period (0.4 per game).
Moreover, Madrid have won their last 16 home games against Getafe in LaLiga. Only against Racing Santander (18 between 1952 and 1994) have they achieved a longer winning streak at home in the competition (also 16 against Barcelona between 1949 and 1964).
Getafe, meanwhile, have only picked up points in two of their 20 away matches against Madrid in LaLiga (W1 D1 L18).
However, one small quirk may count against Madrid, who have won just two of their last five Monday matches in LaLiga (D2 L1). Conversely, Getafe have won five of their seven Monday games in the competition since Bordalas' return to their dugout (D1 L1).
Los Blancos have won 18 of their last 20 LaLiga matches at the Bernabeu, losing the other two (2-1 to Valencia in April 2025 and 2-0 against Celta in December 2025). It represents their longest run without a home draw in the competition since April 2014 (28 games - W26 L2).
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Real Madrid – 68.4%
Draw – 18.7%
Getafe – 13%