L’Équipe: Mbappé Leaves Training, Will Miss Benfica, Expected to Rest at Least 10 Days

According to the latest report from L’Équipe, Kylian Mbappé left Real Madrid's training session on Tuesday and will not play against Benfica.

It is reported that Mbappé exited training midway on Tuesday and will miss Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League playoff second-leg match against Benfica. Within the club, there is growing awareness that the issue is not yet resolved, and forcing him to play could result in a higher cost.

At the pre-match press conference, Áveloa stated that Mbappé was ready. He had originally hoped to let Mbappé play one last match before a planned rest, knowing that the player has been struggling with injuries.

This injury originated on December 7 during a collision in the match against Celta Vigo. A year-end MRI revealed that his lateral collateral ligament was affected, requiring at least three weeks of rest. However, he returned to the field just 11 days later.

At that time, the competitive pressure at Real Madrid was high, and the Supercopa de España final against Barcelona was imminent. Following that, the team was eliminated from the Copa del Rey by Albacete, and the subsequent schedule did not allow him any rest. He only had downtime during the match against Real Sociedad.

Now, the discussion is no longer medical but strategic. Allowing him to rest could ensure his availability in the crucial stages of the season and protect his fitness for the major goal of the 2026 World Cup.

At Valdebebas, internal sources reveal that regardless of whether he plays against Benfica, he should receive at least 10 days of rest. Matches against Getafe and the away game at Celta are considered acceptable sacrifices.

So, will he be called up for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16? If Real Madrid progresses, the first-leg match will take place in Madrid on March 10 or 11. The club may also recommend that Mbappé rest during the international break (March 23–30), when the French national team will travel to the United States for friendlies. Regardless of his physical condition, he is expected to participate in these warm-up matches.