Why isn’t Kylian Mbappé playing for Real Madrid against Benfica? Champions League team news
Mbappé is not in the Madrid squad for Wednesday’s UCL clash at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid go into Wednesday’s Champions League second leg against Benfica with a one-goal advantage from the first game in Lisbon. Madrid need a draw to advance but will be without the team’s top scorer at the Bernabéu.
Ahead of the game Real Madrid confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is out due to injury, not even fit enough for a place in the matchday squad. Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa had previously indicated that Mbappé would be available but the Frenchman appears to have suffered a re-occurrence of a left knee injury that sidelined him earlier in the season.
The complaint dates back to the December 7 game against Celta Vigo. Since then he has missed the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup and was out for a LaLiga game against Real Sociedad earlier this month. Madrid now expect Mbappé to miss the Benfica second leg and next Monday’s visit of Getafe.
Real Madrid team news
Mbappé is not the only first-team player missing for Madrid on Wednesday. Defenders Éder Militão and Dean Huijsen have both been ruled out with muscular injuries.
In midfield Jude Bellingham is still sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered earlier this month. Likewise, Dani Ceballos is also out with a calf injury. In addition to Mbappé, forward Rodrygo Goes has also been ruled out with tendonitis.
With Mbappé, Bellingham and Rodrygo all out, much of the attacking burden will fall on Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian star proved decisive in the first leg with a stunning solo goal in a 1-0 win in Lisbon.
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