Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappé will miss Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica due to a knee injury, AFP learned on Tuesday from a source close to the team.
The France international, who is Madrid’s top scorer this season, has reportedly been playing through knee pain in recent weeks but will not feature at the Santiago Bernabéu, confirming earlier reports by French outlet L’Équipe.
Madrid carry a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Lisbon last week — a match that was overshadowed by alleged racial abuse directed at winger Vinícius Júnior.
Earlier on Tuesday, coach Álvaro Arbeloa had suggested Mbappé was “prepared to play” and praised his commitment in featuring despite discomfort. However, it was later decided that the forward would be rested for the crucial encounter.
Mbappé currently leads the Champions League scoring chart with 13 goals this season. He has been managing a ligament issue on the outside of his left knee that has persisted since before the Christmas break.
The striker appeared restricted in movement during Madrid’s 2-1 La Liga defeat to Osasuna on Saturday, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the European tie.
Real Madrid will now look to protect their aggregate lead without their star forward as they aim to secure a place in the next round.
