Kylian Mbappé will miss Real Madrid’s Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica on Wednesday, February 26, due to a continuing knee problem, the club confirmed Wednesday morning. The French forward was not included in the squad list for the match at the Bernabéu.
Mbappé has been experiencing discomfort in his left knee for several months, most recently sidelining him for a LaLiga match against Real Sociedad on February 14. He also felt discomfort during training on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
Real Madrid won the first leg of the tie 1-0 in Lisbon on February 17, with Mbappé playing the full 90 minutes. The team’s coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, stated on Tuesday that Mbappé was “prepared to play tomorrow,” emphasizing the player’s commitment despite the injury. “He’s trying to help us on the pitch. He’s a decisive player and he can decide a game in any moment,” Arbeloa said.
The injury represents a significant setback for Real Madrid, as Mbappé has been a key contributor this season, scoring 23 goals in LaLiga and 13 in the Champions League. He previously missed a Champions League clash with Manchester City on December 10 and was limited to a brief appearance in the Spanish Supercopa in January. His movement was also visibly restricted during a 2-1 LaLiga defeat at Osasuna on February 21.
The absence of Mbappé comes amid other disciplinary issues for Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury and forward Rodrygo is serving a two-match suspension for insulting a match official during a 4–2 loss to Benfica in the group stage.
Adding to the complexities of the tie, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni has been provisionally suspended for one match following accusations of racist abuse directed at Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior during the first leg. Prestianni denies the allegations, and Benfica has appealed the suspension. Prestianni trained with his teammates at the Bernabéu on Tuesday, but will be ineligible for Wednesday’s match unless the appeal is successful.
Following the match against Benfica, Real Madrid is scheduled to host Getafe on March 2 and visit Celta Vigo on March 7.
