Kylian Mbappé is unlikely to feature for Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League playoff tie against Benfica as he continues to deal with a knee problem, according to sources speaking to ESPN. The France international forward is reported to be struggling for fitness, and his availability for the upcoming match is now in serious doubt.
The knee issue has affected Mbappé’s ability to train and prepare at full intensity, and the club is understood to be cautious about accelerating his return. With a long season and multiple competitions ahead, Real Madrid’s medical and coaching staff are weighing the risks of involving him before he has fully recovered. No official timeline for his return has been made public, and details about the exact nature or severity of the knee problem have not been disclosed.
Mbappé’s potential absence would be a significant consideration for Real Madrid’s approach to the second leg against Benfica. His pace, direct running, and finishing are central elements of his game, and his presence typically forces opposing defenses to adjust their shape and marking schemes. Without him, the Spanish side may be required to modify their attacking structure, adjust their front line, or rely more heavily on other forwards and creative players to generate chances.
The second leg of a Champions League playoff is often decisive for progression, and Real Madrid’s technical staff are preparing contingency plans with and without Mbappé. Training sessions in the buildup to the match are expected to provide further clarity about who will fill his role if he is ultimately ruled out. Options could include a change in formation or the promotion of another attacker into the starting lineup, depending on the tactical priorities set by the coaching staff.
For now, the focus around the club remains on Mbappé’s rehabilitation and managing his workload to avoid aggravating the knee problem. Real Madrid are expected to continue monitoring his condition closely in the days leading up to the Benfica clash, but as things stand, sources indicate that the forward is more likely to miss the match than to take part.
