Real Madrid's Star Duo Mbappe and Bellingham Sidelined: What's Behind Their Shocking Absence Against Benfica
Real Madrid will face Benfica in the Champions League knockout phase playoff second leg without their top scorer Kylian Mbappé and star midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The record 15-time European titleholders enter this crucial match holding a slender one-goal lead following Vinicius Junior's brilliant strike at the Estádio da Luz. While racial incidents overshadowed the first encounter, the return fixture must proceed to decide which club advances to the last 16.
Los Blancos arrive following a disappointing 2–1 loss to Osasuna over the weekend, a setback that hardly boosted confidence ahead of facing a Benfica squad eager to cause an upset at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Adding to the concerns, manager Álvaro Arbeloa will be forced to do without two of his most influential players.
Why Kylian Mbappé Is Not Playing Against Benfica
Why Kylian Mbappé Is Not Playing Against Benfica
Doubts emerged about Mbappé's availability after the French striker was unable to finish training before the match. It has been confirmed that the 27-year-old has worsened the knee problem that has plagued him since December.
Mbappé was absent for Manchester City's visit to Madrid due to this same concern and subsequently missed the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Atlético Madrid. He wasn't ready to start the final either, only appearing briefly as a substitute in what became Barcelona's victory in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Optimism grew when Mbappé resumed regular playing time in subsequent weeks, though he remained questionable for the first leg versus Benfica. The attacker managed to play through the discomfort in that match and against Osasuna in La Liga, but it seems he has now hit his limit.
Sources suggest Mbappé will be sidelined for approximately 10 days, meaning the ex-PSG star could return for the Champions League round of 16 ... assuming Real Madrid advances without him.
Why Jude Bellingham Is Not Playing Against Benfica
Why Jude Bellingham Is Not Playing Against Benfica
Bellingham is also unavailable alongside Mbappé due to the persistent hamstring injury he sustained earlier this month. The problem proved more severe than initially assessed, with reports suggesting the England midfielder may remain out until after the March international window.
Real Madrid previously adapted to life without Bellingham when he had shoulder surgery last summer that sidelined him for the season's opening two months. However, the team operates well below its peak level whenever the No. 10 is confined to the treatment room.
Missing both Bellingham and Mbappé for such a vital Champions League encounter would be challenging enough, but Arbeloa must also cope without the injured Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen and Dani Ceballos, plus the suspended Rodrygo.