Real Madrid Stars Mbappe and Bellingham Lead Mass Exodus Ahead of Crucial Benfica Showdown
As Real Madrid's Champions League hopes hang in the balance, the Spanish giants will be missing six key players for their crucial second-leg playoff encounter against Benfica.
The record 15-time European titleholders are still feeling the effects of their league stage mishap against Benfica that saw them plummet from third to ninth position in the standings on the final day. What should have been a relatively calm February has now become frantic with two pivotal matches added to their schedule.
Los Blancos secured a narrow 1–0 victory in the opening leg against Benfica courtesy of a brilliant strike from Vinicius Junior, but their work remains unfinished. If Álvaro Arbeloa's squad hopes to book their spot in the Champions League round of 16, they must navigate the return fixture at the Bernabéu.
Achieving another favorable outcome against the Portuguese side will prove challenging, however, given the significant absences from Real Madrid's roster.
Complete List of Real Madrid Players Missing Benfica Match
Complete List of Real Madrid Players Missing Benfica Match
Kylian Mbappé (Injured)
Kylian Mbappé (Injured)
Everything suggested Kylian Mbappé would spearhead the attack against Benfica until the day before the match, when he was unable to finish training. The French star's persistent knee problem resurfaced and additional examinations revealed a complication significant enough to sideline Real Madrid's top scorer.
Mbappé was formally excluded from the second leg squad in the early Wednesday hours, with reports suggesting the striker will be absent for at least the next three fixtures for Los Blancos against Benfica, Getafe and Celta Vigo.
Compensating for the production the France captain delivers is unachievable; Mbappé has netted 38 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this campaign. Vinicius Junior ranks second in the scoring charts with 12.
Jude Bellingham (Injured)
Jude Bellingham (Injured)
Jude Bellingham has been absent since the opening weekend of February, ruled out with an extended hamstring problem. The England star suffered the injury in the early moments against Rayo Vallecano and departed the field in distress—a scene that demonstrated the seriousness of the issue.
The ailment was initially expected to keep Bellingham sidelined until the opening weeks of March, but a reported complication suggests the midfielder could be unavailable until after the March international break. If this proves accurate, the 22-year-old would miss the Champions League round of 16 ... assuming Real Madrid progress.
Rodrygo (Suspended/Injured)
Rodrygo (Suspended/Injured)
Another setback to Arbeloa's offensive options arrives in the form of Rodrygo. The Brazilian, who was finally regaining his rhythm at the close of 2025, has been dealing with a persistent hamstring problem of his own.
The condition has kept Rodrygo sidelined since the team's 2–1 triumph over Rayo Vallecano on Feb. 1. Even if he had recovered sufficiently to potentially appear as a substitute against Benfica, the winger is banned from the encounter after receiving a red card in Real Madrid's final league phase fixture for misconduct.
UEFA imposed a two-game suspension on Rodrygo for offensive language, excluding him from the knockout phase playoffs.
Dean Huijsen (Injured)
Dean Huijsen (Injured)
Physical problems have marred Dean Huijsen's inaugural campaign in the white jersey. Each time it appears the Spaniard is finally finding his rhythm, another setback emerges and sends him back to the treatment room.
On this occasion, it is a muscular problem in his calf that stops Huijsen from participating in the second leg against Benfica. The central defender delivered possibly his finest performance in a white shirt during the first leg, but is now relegated to watching from the stands.
Real Madrid are optimistic about having Huijsen available for their La Liga encounter with Getafe on Monday, Mar. 2.
Éder Militão (Injured)
Éder Militão (Injured)
Throughout the past three campaigns, Éder Militão has been more likely to be found in the medical room than on the playing field. The Brazilian returned from consecutive ACL injuries at the beginning of 2025–26 and appeared to be in peak condition until he suffered a hamstring tear in December.
Militão was immediately back in rehabilitation, this time for four months, leaving Real Madrid without their premier center back. Unless complications arise, the 28-year-old is anticipated to return in April, but the club will exercise maximum caution considering his injury record and the approaching 2026 World Cup.
Dani Ceballos (Injured)
Dani Ceballos (Injured)
Arguably the least impactful absence for Real Madrid on Wednesday is Dani Ceballos. The midfielder sustained a calf problem over the weekend and faces up to two months on the sidelines.
The injury occurred following a short eight-minute appearance against Osasuna, a stint that witnessed Ceballos make the mistake that resulted in the opposition's decisive goal in added time. The error would have given Arbeloa pause about utilizing the Spaniard against Benfica, but now the choice has been taken out of the manager's hands.