Kylian Mbappé has not been named in Real Madrid‘s squad for their Champions League playoff second leg with Benfica as he continues to struggle with a knee problem.
The star forward has felt discomfort in his left knee in recent months — most recently missing Madrid’s LaLiga game with Real Sociedad on Feb. 14 — and again felt discomfort in training on Tuesday. ESPN reported on Tuesday that he was likely to miss out against Benfica on Wednesday night.
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The club’s doctors have been trying to manage the issue. Madrid’s confirmed squad to face Benfica, on Wednesday morning, did not include their French forward.
Madrid won the first leg 1-0 in Lisbon on Feb. 17, with Mbappé playing the entire game.
After Wednesday’s game with Benfica, Madrid host Getafe on March 2, and then visit Celta Vigo on March 7.
Mbappé has excelled for Madrid this season, scoring 23 goals in LaLiga, and 13 in the Champions League.
His left knee troubled him before Christmas. He missed Madrid’s Champions League clash with Manchester City on Dec. 10, and in January, he was able to play just a few minutes of the Spanish Supercopa.
His movement appeared restricted in Saturday’s 2-1 LaLiga defeat at Osasuna.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa said in a news conference on Tuesday, before confirmation that Mbappé would miss out: «Kylian is prepared to play tomorrow, which is the most important thing right now. I want to highlight the commitment he’s showing to the team, to his teammates.
«He’s trying to help us on the pitch. He’s a decisive player and he can decide a game in any moment.»
But, Madrid must now navigate the second leg without him.
