Kylian Mbappé Ruled Out of Benfica Clash; Real Madrid Star May Require Minor Surgery

Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé is ruled out of the Champions League clash with Benfica and may require surgery to address a lingering injury.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 25, 2026, 12:17 PM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Football España

Injury Setback for the French Captain

Kylian Mbappé’s first season at the Santiago Bernabéu has hit a major physical hurdle. Following medical assessments by Real Madrid’s staff, the club has confirmed that the superstar forward will not travel for the pivotal Champions League encounter with Benfica. The nature of the injury has prompted discussions between the player and the medical team regarding the best long-term solution, with a minor operation now being considered to address the persistent issue and prevent a more serious recurrence.

Evaluating the Surgical Option

The potential surgery is described as a "minor" corrective procedure, but it nonetheless introduces uncertainty into Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical planning. If Mbappé goes under the knife, he could be unavailable for several weeks, missing key La Liga fixtures in addition to the continental campaign. Sources within the club suggest that a decision will be made in the coming days, balancing the immediate need for his presence on the pitch with the necessity of ensuring he is at 100% for the business end of the season in the spring.

Tactical Void in Ancelotti’s Frontline

Mbappé’s absence leaves a substantial void in the Real Madrid attack. The Frenchman has been a focal point of the team's transition play and goal-scoring output since his summer move. Without him, Ancelotti is expected to lean more heavily on Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo Goes, potentially reverting to a system that utilizes a more traditional center-forward or a "false nine" setup. The Benfica match is seen as a high-stakes test of the squad's depth and their ability to produce elite-level results without their most high-profile summer signing.