SOCCER · 1 month ago

Kylian Mbappé Injury Update: Real Madrid Star Out for Benfica Champions League Clash

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

Kylian Mbappé is out for Real Madrid’s critical Champions League second-leg playoff against Benfica scheduled for Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

Reports indicate the French superstar suffered an injury setback in training less than 24 hours before kickoff, which will keep him out of the epic match at the Santiago Bernabéu.

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Kylian Mbappé Injury Update: Latest News

The following is the current status of the Real Madrid forward:

Injury Type: Persistent discomfort in his left knee.
Training Status: Mbappé reportedly could not finish Real Madrid’s final training session today, due to increased pain.
Match Status: He is officially out. While manager Alvaro Arbeloa initially stated Mbappé was “fit to play" earlier on Tuesday, that assessment has changed as the day progressed.
Potential Timeline: Beyond the Benfica match, the injury may also force him to miss the upcoming La Liga fixture against Getafe on Monday, March 2. Preliminary reports suggest Mbappe will be out until at least mid-March.

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Context of the Injury

Mbappé has been managing this left knee issue since early December 2025. Although he started the first leg against Benfica on February 17, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 lead, he has been rested or started on the bench in recent domestic matches, including a Matchday 24 fixture against Real Sociedad, as a precaution.

Impact on Real Madrid vs. Benfica

Mbappé is the leading goalscorer in this season’s Champions League with 13 goals. With him out, Real Madrid is significantly shorthanded, as they are already missing several key players: