Concern in Madrid.. Kylian Mbappé's Injury Puts His Participation Against Benfica Under Scrutiny

There are increasing doubts about the readiness of French star Kylian Mbappé to participate with Real Madrid in the match against Benfica, in the second leg of the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, after reports revealed alarming developments regarding his recent injury.

Strain in the knee and surgical option on the table

Mbappé (27 years old) is suffering from a slight muscle strain in the lateral ligament of his left knee, as he tried to accelerate his return by participating in training, but the pain has noticeably returned. According to Spanish journalist Juanfi Sanz Pérez on the program “El Chiringuito,” the player currently prefers to rely on conservative treatment to avoid any surgical intervention during a critical period of the season.
The medical staff at the royal club is closely monitoring the development of the condition, focusing on reducing inflammation and strengthening the injured area through an individual rehabilitation program. There is a sense of cautious optimism within Valdebebas regarding the player's potential improvement in the coming weeks.

World Cup priority and caution against relapse

Mbappé does not want to rush back, especially with major commitments approaching, led by the 2026 World Cup. If there is no response to conservative treatment, the option of limited surgical intervention remains on the table to address the issue fundamentally and prevent its recurrence.

For its part, Real Madrid is adopting a cautious approach, avoiding setting a clear timeline for recovery, recognizing the sensitivity of the stage and the importance of maintaining the player's physical safety in the long term.