Kylian Mbappé has been ruled out of Real Madrid's Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday, February 25, after his recurring left knee injury flared up during training on Monday. Medical tests confirmed it was impossible for the French forward to take the pitch, dealing a significant blow to Real Madrid's European campaign despite the club holding a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg in Lisbon.
The injury traces back to late December 2025, when an MRI scan first revealed damage to the lateral collateral ligament in Mbappé's left knee. Since that diagnosis, the 27-year-old has endured a frustrating cycle of setbacks. He missed the La Liga fixture against Real Betis on January 4 and did not travel to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atletico Madrid on January 8. He then pushed to play in the Super Cup final against Barcelona on January 11, only to manage 14 minutes before being substituted as Real Madrid lost the match.
Mbappé appeared to have recovered when he played the full first leg against Benfica on February 17 in Lisbon, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a Vinícius Júnior goal. However, his left knee flared up again during Tuesday's training session at Valdebebas, and subsequent medical examinations confirmed he would be unable to feature in the decisive return fixture. Reports indicate that if the situation does not improve, minor surgery may be required to address the underlying ligament issue.
This marks the sixth match Mbappé has missed this season, and his absence raises a troubling pattern regarding big games. In April 2025, he exited a match against Arsenal at the 75th minute with an ankle problem, though he returned for the Copa del Rey final three weeks later. He also sat out against Manchester City with what was described as a mysterious left leg discomfort combined with a fractured ring finger. Now, he misses a do-or-die Champions League tie against Benfica, fueling questions about whether the forward's body can withstand the demands of the highest-pressure fixtures.
Despite the fitness concerns, Mbappé's on-pitch production when available has been extraordinary. In La Liga, he has registered 23 goals and 4 assists across 23 matches and 2,026 minutes, averaging 1.02 goals per 90 minutes — the highest rate among all La Liga players with three or more appearances. In the Champions League, he has netted 9 goals in just 5 matches. His 59 goals in 2025 equalled Cristiano Ronaldo's single-year record at Real Madrid, underscoring the devastating quality he brings when fit.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa had spoken confidently before the injury news broke, describing Mbappé as ready to play and calling him a game-changer for the second leg. Instead, Arbeloa will need to devise an alternative attacking plan as Real Madrid look to protect their slender advantage without their star striker. The winner of the tie will advance to face either Manchester City or Sporting in the Round of 16.
Mbappé is now targeting a return for the La Liga match against Celta Vigo on March 7, meaning he is expected to be sidelined for at least 10 days. He will also miss the league fixture against Getafe during that period. For Real Madrid, the immediate priority is navigating past Benfica without their talisman, but the longer-term concern remains whether Mbappé's knee can hold up for the remainder of a grueling season that still holds ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Comments