Mbappé Doubtful as Real Madrid Host SL Benfica in Crunch Champions League Clash
Real Madrid could be without their talisman Kylian Mbappé when they welcome SL Benfica to the Bernabéu for the decisive return leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff tie.
The 26-year-old forward is reportedly nursing a knock to his left knee, casting serious doubt over his availability for the crucial encounter.
Madrid head into the fixture with a slender 1-0 advantage on aggregate, courtesy of a strike from Vinícius Jr in the first leg in Lisbon.
Mbappé’s potential absence would be a significant blow to Los Blancos. The French superstar has been in scintillating form this season, scoring 38 goals and providing 6 assists in just 33 appearances across all competitions. His clinical edge in front of goal has made him Real Madrid’s most reliable attacking outlet.
In Europe, Mbappé has been particularly devastating. He currently leads the Champions League scoring chart with 13 goals, underlining his importance on the continental stage as Madrid chase yet another deep run in the competition they have historically dominated.
Should he fail to recover in time, Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa will be forced to reshuffle his attacking options for a Benfica side that remains very much alive in the tie.
The Portuguese giants will draw confidence from their performance in the first leg and will hope to capitalise on any weakness in the Real Madrid lineup.
With a place in the round of 16 at stake, all eyes will be on the Bernabéu as Madrid aim to finish the job with or without their injured superstar.