Kylian Mbappe will not feature for Real Madrid in Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica after being sidelined by a knee injury, according to a source close to the club.
The French forward, who is Madrid’s leading scorer this season, has been managing persistent knee pain for several weeks. Despite initially being considered available, the decision was taken to rule him out of the match at the Santiago Bernabeu, a move that confirms earlier reporting by French newspaper L’Equipe.
Real Madrid enter the second leg holding a narrow 1–0 advantage from last week’s encounter in Lisbon. That first-leg fixture was overshadowed by controversy after alleged racial abuse was directed at winger Vinicius Junior.
Earlier on Tuesday, Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa suggested the striker remained in contention, saying Mbappé was “prepared to play” and noting that he “valued his commitment” in continuing despite discomfort. However, further medical assessment ultimately led to the decision to rest the player.
Mbappé currently tops the Champions League scoring charts with 13 goals this season, even while dealing with ligament issues on the outside of his left knee — a problem that has lingered since before the Christmas break.
Signs of limited mobility were visible during Madrid’s 2–1 defeat to Osasuna in La Liga on Saturday, where the forward appeared short of his usual explosiveness. His absence now leaves Madrid without their most potent attacking threat as they look to secure progression in Europe.
Read More: Judge Orders Achraf Hakimi to Stand Trial in Rape Case as Defense Plans Appeal
