Real Madrid will be without top scorer Kylian Mbappe for their Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica as the striker sidelined by a persistent knee injury.
Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of Wednesday’s Champions League second leg against Benfica due to a knee injury.
Despite playing through pain recently, the French international will miss the Santiago Bernabeu clash to avoid further aggravating ligaments in his left knee.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa previously noted that the player was “prepared to play” and that he “valued his commitment.”
The loss of Mbappe is a significant setback for Madrid, as he leads the competition with 13 goals this season.
The Spanish giants currently hold a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead following a contentious first leg in Lisbon.
With the forward clearly struggling during Saturday’s defeat to Osasuna, the medical staff opted for caution to ensure the long-term fitness of their most prolific attacker.