It’s a tough blow for Real Madrid. Kylian Mbappé, struggling with a left knee injury for several weeks, will not play in the UEFA Champions League playoff against SL Benfica this Wednesday.
According to L’Équipe, the French international (94 caps) cut short the morning training session due to persistent pain before undergoing medical tests in the afternoon. Those tests confirmed that his injury has not fully healed.
Internally, the Madrid club has acknowledged that he cannot be fielded against the Lisbon side. While the exact duration of his absence remains unclear, a treatment protocol has been immediately put in place. Mbappé has been dealing with this discomfort for several weeks and has been playing at less than full strength. His team is leaning towards caution, especially with the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaching.
