Arbeloa running out of options at centre-back ahead of Real Madrid vs Getafe

On Monday night, Real Madrid take on Getafe at the Santiago Bernabeu, hoping to stay in touch with league leaders FC Barcelona.

However, leading up to the game against Jose Bordalas’ side, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has some fitness issues to deal with, especially in the centre-back department.

Five defenders unavailable

Indeed, as reported by MARCA, Real Madrid have five defenders unavailable, three from the first team and two from Castilla. It has left the head coach stretching resources to the limit in a bid to regain top spot in La Liga.

Eder Militao has been out for two months, Dean Huijsen is dealing with calf discomfort that has lasted longer than expected, and Raul Asencio joined the list this week after an accidental collision with Eduardo Camavinga against Benfica left him with a cervical sprain.

Even though Huijsen did part of the training with the group today, his availability to face Getafe is ruled out as things stand.

The only fit centre-backs for Real Madrid. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO/AFP via Getty Images)

If the first team are depleted, the academy does not offer the expected safety net. Two of the most natural options from Castilla to cover the position are also sidelined.

Victor Valdepeas, who has already made his La Liga debut, is suffering from a grade two knee sprain that will keep him out for around five weeks, while Joan Martinez has a small psoas tear with an estimated absence of three weeks.

What remains are Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba. On paper, it is a partnership with pedigree, but in practice they have not started together since 1 March last year, when Real Madrid lost to Real Betis.

The most reliable alternative at this stage will be deploying Aurelien Tchouameni at centre-back, although his performances in midfield have been crucial in recent weeks.

If Arbeloa moves the Frenchman into central defence, a gap opens in midfield that could be filled by Thiago Pitarch, one of the academy players who has impressed in his limited opportunities with the first team, and is pushing for a start.