Mbappe delivers bad news, Real faces challenges in La Liga and Champions League

Striker Kylian Mbappe will probably need time off to treat his injury, potentially affecting Real Madrid’s power and form in forthcoming La Liga and Champions League games.

According to revelations from L’Equipe, Kylian Mbappe will have to stay away from the pitch for a while due to persistent knee pain that has not yet healed.

The French superstar has actually been dealing with knee issues since an injury in December. At that time, his recovery process was accelerated to enable his return for the Spanish Super Cup final. In recent weeks, amid the club’s transition phase with a new coach, the 1998-born striker has continued to play despite his knee not being fully recovered, with ongoing pain and discomfort.

Ahead of the clash with Benfica, Mbappe even had to cut short a training session, raising doubts about his availability. Reports indicate that the former PSG star will definitely miss this Champions League match. Moreover, he is also likely to be absent from the upcoming La Liga fixtures against Getafe and Celta Vigo.

Notably, it remains uncertain whether Mbappe will recover in time for the first leg of the Champions League round of 16, should Real Madrid advance.

Previously, coach Alvaro Arbeloa confirmed that Mbappe was ready and eager to play against Benfica. However, medical examinations in the afternoon revealed that the French forward’s knee had not fully healed. Consequently, the coaching staff decided to rest him to avoid the risk of relapse or more serious complications.

Real Madrid is unwilling to take risks with Mbappe’s condition at this sensitive moment, and the player himself is aware of the need to protect his fitness, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching. He is expected to rest for at least 10 days, missing three matches, with the recovery period possibly extending depending on progress.

Regarding Mbappe, the French striker has not scored in Real Madrid’s last two matches. This detail somewhat reflects his inconsistent form recently. Now, with the injury issue, Los Blancos’ attack will certainly face significant challenges ahead, both in terms of efficiency and the ability to deliver decisive moments.