Real Madrid make Mbappé decision official ahead of huge Benfica clash

Kylian Mbappé will not play against Benfica. It is now official.

His left knee has finally forced Real Madrid’s hand, ending the faint hope that lingered inside the club only 24 hours ago.

The forward needs rest after nearly three months of discomfort dating back to December 7 against Celta. He will sit out not only this return leg against the Eagles but also Monday’s clash with Getafe. As previously reported, his comeback is expected against Celta.

The squad list also features four academy call-ups: Thiago, Manuel Ángel, Cestero and Palacios.

“He’s been pushing through it for weeks...,” Álvaro Arbeloa admitted on Tuesday. Yet he had added a firm verdict: “He’s fit to play.” In the end, he was not. Mbappé left training before the final whistle, as several teammates did, fueling pessimism. By Wednesday morning, that uncertainty had turned into certainty – he is unavailable.

He cannot continue without rest. The knee needs a pause. It has been 80 days since that game against Celta. In that span, he has missed only the match against Betis, the eve of the Spanish Super Cup semifinals and the semifinal itself, along with the Copa upset against Albacete and the league meeting with Real Sociedad. Otherwise, he has played full 90-minute games, all against the backdrop of the upcoming World Cup.

Real Madrid roster vs Benfica

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fran González.

Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Rüdiger and Mendy.

Midfielders: Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Güler, Cestero, Manuel Ángel, Palacios and Thiago.

Forwards: Vinicius, Gonzalo, Brahim and Mastantuono.

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