TBM Report
Real Madrid’s preparations for the Champions League play-off return leg against Benfica have been thrown into disarray as star forward Kylian Mbappé struggles with a recurring knee injury.
According to ESPN and club medical sources, the French striker experienced significant discomfort in his left knee during Tuesday’s training session, casting a shadow over his participation in tonight’s vital encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Coach Álvaro Arbeloa’s side currently holds a slender 1-0 aggregate lead following the first leg in Lisbon. However, medical experts warn that playing Mbappé at only 60-70% fitness could risk a longer layoff, potentially sidelining him for upcoming league fixtures against Getafe and Celta Vigo.
Despite scoring 13 goals in this UCL campaign, Mbappé has been battling knee issues since December, missing key matches including the Super Cup and a Manchester City clash. While Arbeloa praised Mbappé’s commitment in the pre-match press conference, the final decision remains in the hands of the medical staff, as they weigh the risk of aggravating a serious injury against the need for their top scorer in a must-win match.
