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Rabat – Kylian Mbappe’s fitness has become a major concern for Real Madrid after the French forward left training on Tuesday with renewed pain in his left knee.
His availability for the Champions League playoff second leg against Benfica is now in serious doubt.
According to The Athletic, the club is increasingly aware that the issue has not been fully resolved.
The injury dates back to December 7, when Mbappe suffered a heavy blow during a league match against Celta Vigo. Medical scans revealed damage to the lateral collateral ligament, an injury that normally requires at least three weeks of rest.
🚨 Kylian Mbappé could miss Real Madrid vs Benfica game tomorrow, L’Équipe reports.
Kylian feels pain in his left knee and could be out tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/7WRyrOleA8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 24, 2026
Despite medical advice, Mbappe returned to action just 11 days later, pressured by the team’s demanding schedule.
That early comeback now appears to have complicated his recovery. Real Madrid’s medical staff are considering enforcing a mandatory rest period of around ten days, regardless of the Benfica match, to prevent long-term damage.
If the club proceeds with this plan, Mbappe would miss upcoming La Liga fixtures against Getafe and Celta Vigo. The priority is to give him enough time to heal properly and avoid recurring setbacks that could affect the rest of the season.
Madrid enter the second leg against Benfica with a narrow advantage after winning the first match 1-0. However, the possible absence of their star striker presents a tactical challenge for the coaching staff.
Without Mbappe, the team may need to rely more heavily on Vinicius Junior, as he is the only attacker in Madrid with Mbappe to carry the attack. At the same time, midfield creativity will be crucial to maintain control.
