In a major development, L’Equipe reports that Real Madrid megastar Kylian Mbappe is set for a spell on the sidelines due to persisting pain in his knee.
The French superstar has been dealing with pain in his knee from the injury he had picked up back in December and was rushed back from for the Spanish Super Cup.
In recent weeks, with the team going through a transitional phase, with a new manager in charge, Mbappe has pushed himself to play, despite the pain and discomfort in his knee not fully subsiding.
As already reported earlier today, the 27-year-old forward was forced to stop his training in between before Real Madrid face Benfica tomorrow, casting doubts over his availability.
Mbappe out
Now, L’Equipe reports that Mbappe will definitely miss tomorrow’s UEFA Champions League clash against Benfica.
In addition to that, the forward is expected to be unavailable for the subsequent La Liga matches against Getafe and Celta Vigo.
Out of action. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
There is also some uncertainty about whether he would be ready for the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, set for March 10-11, provided Real Madrid make it through to the stage.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa was intent on playing Mbappe against Benfica tomorrow and even said that the striker was ready for the game.
However, the Frenchman underwent tests in the afternoon which revealed that the knee was far from healed and it has been decided that it is time for him to take a break and rest.
Real Madrid do not wish to risk any long-term problems with Mbappe by pushing him at this moment, while the Frenchman himself is mindful of avoiding issues, especially with the World Cup on the horizon.
As such, he is now set for a rest of at least ten days, which will see him miss three matches, while the break could extend beyond that as well.