Real Madrid fans were met with a major blow ahead of Wednesday's high-stakes UEFA Champions League second-leg tie against Benfica. Despite being the competition’s leading marksman this season, Kylian Mbappé has been officially ruled out of the clash at the Santiago Bernabéu.

What Happened to Mbappé?

The French superstar has been grappling with a persistent injury to the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in his left knee. While Mbappé has shown immense commitment by playing through the pain barrier since the Christmas break, a recent setback during training on Tuesday forced the medical staff to intervene.

Although coach Álvaro Arbeloa initially suggested the forward was "prepared to play," a final assessment determined that the risk of a long-term rupture was too high. Mbappé appeared visibly hampered during Madrid’s recent 1-2 loss to Osasuna, and he was unable to complete the final pre-match training session.

Record-Breaking Campaign

Mbappé’s absence leaves a massive void in the Los Blancos attack. His statistics this season have been nothing short of historic:

1. Total Goals: 13 (Leading the Champions League scoring charts).
2. Record Breaker: He recently surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo’s record for the most goals in a single Champions League group/league phase for Real Madrid.
3. Team Impact: He has contributed to over 60% of Real Madrid’s goals in the tournament so far.

How Arbeloa Plans to Win Without His #9

With Mbappé sidelined and Jude Bellingham also out with a hamstring injury, Álvaro Arbeloa has turned to youth to secure a spot in the Round of 16.

21-year-old Gonzalo García has been tapped to lead the line. García is no stranger to the big stage, having already filled in for Mbappé five times this season, netting six goals in those appearances. He will be flanked by the creative Arda Güler and the electric Vinícius Júnior, who scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 first-leg victory in Lisbon.

Match Context

Madrid enters the second leg with a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead. However, the tie is simmering with tension following the alleged racial abuse directed at Vinícius Júnior during the first leg. With Benfica missing their manager José Mourinho due to a touchline ban, Real Madrid will need to maintain their composure to navigate this "do-or-die" playoff.

News Desk - The Football Tribune