Kylian Mbappe Expected to Miss Real Madrid vs. Benfica With Lingering Knee Injury

Madrid—Real Madrid’s marquee summer signing Kylian Mbappe is set to be sidelined for the decisive second leg of the club’s Champions League playoff against Benfica, club sources confirmed on Monday. The French forward sustained the knock to his knee during a training session and, after assessment, medical staff do not believe he will recover in time for Wednesday’s encounter at the Bernabéu.

Mbappe’s absence leaves Los Blancos without their primary attacking threat at a pivotal moment in the tie. The 25-year-old had featured prominently in the first leg in Lisbon, where Madrid battled to a 2-2 draw that keeps the round-of-16 berth hanging in the balance.

With the return match only 48 hours away, coaching staff are now weighing attacking alternatives to fill the void left by the World Cup winner. Real Madrid have not placed a definitive timeline on Mbappe’s recovery, but early indications suggest the forward will be re-evaluated ahead of this weekend’s domestic fixture slate.

The club is expected to release an official medical report once swelling subsides and further scans are completed. Until then, Madrid must plot a path past a disciplined Benfica side without the pace and finishing prowess that Mbappe brings to the front line.