Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe a serious doubt for Champions League decider vs. Benfica

Kylian Mbappe is a serious doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off decider against Benfica on Wednesday due to continued discomfort in his left knee.

Mbappe has been experiencing knee pain since December, missing several matches including a home win over Real Sociedad in La Liga this month and the Supercopa de Espana semi-final against Atletico Madrid. The 27-year-old has played 90 minutes in Madrid’s last two games, however, including the first leg victory against Benfica in Lisbon.

Mbappe was said to have been in discomfort towards the end of Tuesday’s training session, with club staff pessimistic about his chances of recovering in time for the game.

A source close to the club indicated that a final decision on his participation would take place on Wednesday after discussions between Mbappe and Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, but sources close to the player believe he is unlikely to be in a condition to feature.

Arbeola said on Tuesday that the France international is “ready to play” although “everyone knows he’s been dealing with discomfort for several weeks”.

Madrid will go into the Champions League play-off decider at the Bernabeu with a 1-0 lead on aggregate after Vinicius Junior’s second-half strike last week. Benfica will be without forward Gianluca Prestianni who has been provisionally suspended “without prejudice” by UEFA for one match after allegations that he racially abused Vinicius Jr in the aftermath of the Brazilian’s winner.

Mbappe has scored 38 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, including 13 goals in the Champions League.