Real Madrid Unveils Benfica Squad as Shocking Kylian Mbappe News Rocks the Club
Kylian Mbappé has been included in Real Madrid's squad for the upcoming Champions League fixture against Benfica, despite participating in individual training sessions rather than joining the main group on Monday.
The French striker netted a brace against Villarreal in La Liga over the weekend, bringing his seasonal goal count to 34 across all competitions and representing 47% of the team's total scoring output.
However, Spanish media reports indicated that the forward skipped the regular training session at Valdebebas as the new week commenced, opting instead for personalized workouts to apparently maintain and safeguard his fitness levels.
Left-back Álvaro Carreras found himself in a comparable situation, yet both players were included in the midweek squad by new coach Álvaro Arbeloa, who is enjoying momentum from three consecutive victories following an unstable beginning.
The squad has already departed for Portugal and will conduct a training session in Lisbon on Tuesday ahead of Wednesday's encounter.
Barring any unexpected complications, both Mbappé and Carreras are anticipated to feature in the starting lineup for a match that remains significant for Los Blancos.
They currently occupy third position in the Champions League league phase table, but hold just a two-point advantage over Barcelona in ninth. A win against Benfica secures an automatic qualification to the round of 16, bypassing the knockout playoff stage. However, any other result could leave Real somewhat exposed to dropping outside the crucial top eight and requiring participation in that additional round.
Real Madrid Roster vs. Benfica—Jan. 28, 2026
Real Madrid Roster vs. Benfica—Jan. 28, 2026
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran González.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Raúl Asencio, Álvaro Carreras, Fran García, Dean Huijsen, Diego Aguado.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos, Jorge Cestero.
Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo García, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantuono.
Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger Close to Returning
Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger Close to Returning
Defensive duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Antonio Rüdiger were omitted from the Benfica squad, though there is optimism that both could regain full fitness within the coming fortnight.
Alexander-Arnold has remained sidelined throughout 2026 due to a muscle injury sustained in early December. Rüdiger has likewise been unavailable since before the winter recess owing to knee issues. Both defenders also dealt with hamstring setbacks earlier in the campaign.
Spanish outlet El Partizado de COPE reported on Monday that Alexander-Arnold and Rüdiger have both commenced limited training alongside the squad and are showing progress. While neither will feature against Benfica this week, they are expected to be "available" for either Sunday's forthcoming La Liga clash with Rayo Vallecano, or the Valencia encounter on February 8 the following weekend.