Real Madrid make Kylian Mbappé decision before crucial Champions League clash at Benfica

Kylian Mbappé has been named in Real Madrid’s traveling squad for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League game away to Benfica, easing fears that a knee problem could sideline him for one of the biggest matches of the season.

The French superstar, who has scored 38 goals in 31 appearances this season, initially missed the home win over Real Betis on January 4 and the Spanish Super Cup semifinal victory against Atlético Madrid on January 8 because of a knee injury.

Fears over Mbappé’s knee injury

Mbappé has played in seven games since then, but reports last week suggested he may have suffered a recurrence after missing two days of team practice. The 27-year-old did not feature in Saturday’s win over Real Sociedad, although he was named among the substitutes.

Álvaro Arbeloa explained Mbappé had not been used as a precaution, with one eye on Tuesday’s game in Lisbon, the first leg of the knockout phase playoff. The Madrid head coach also said he expected the former PSG forward to be 100% ready to start against Benfica, which now appears set to be the case.

Jude Bellingham and Eder Militão are not in the squad due to injury, while Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio are suspended.

Mbappé’s astonishing Champions League numbers

Mbappé has been in blistering form in the Champions League this season, scoring 13 goals in seven league-phase games, including twice in a 4-2 defeat to José Mourinho’s team in Lisbon on Jan. 28.

However, his goals were not enough to send Madrid directly into the round of 16.

Los Blancos narrowly missed out on a top-eight finish, ending up ninth after their costly loss in Portugal. They now return to Estádio da Luz for the second time in three weeks, with their Champions League hopes hanging in the balance.

What Madrid must do to reach the round of 16

Real Madrid must overcome Benfica over two legs to join the likes of Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich in the last 16.

The first leg between Benfica and Madrid takes place Tuesday, Feb. 17, with kickoff scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. The return leg follows in Spain on Wednesday, Feb. 25, also at 3 p.m. ET.

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