Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has played down fears of a serious injury to Kylian Mbappe, but admitted the forward could be sidelined for “a few days or weeks” after missing Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Benfica.
Mbappe had initially been cleared to feature in the second leg of the knockout round play-off, yet momentum shifted during Real Madrid’s final training session.
Reports emerged on Tuesday evening that the France international was struggling with discomfort in his left knee, and after consultations with the medical staff, the decision was taken to leave him out of the European fixture.
The issue is not new. Mbappe has managed his left knee carefully in recent months and has already missed four matches during the 2025–26 campaign.
While Arbeloa remains confident the setback is not long-term, he stopped short of offering a clear return date.
“He had to leave training yesterday, and on other days he has felt discomfort. After yesterday’s training, I spoke with him, and we consulted with the medical team,” Arbeloa explained.
“We believed it was best for him to stop and recover 100%, so he can return in top form and confidence without discomfort for what’s ahead. He’s very important, and from now on, we’ll wait.
“Let’s see if it’s a matter of days, and hopefully, it won’t take too long, but we’ll take the necessary time for Mbappe to regain confidence and for the discomfort to disappear.”
The gaffer added: “I couldn’t tell you the difference between discomfort and an injury. When he stops, it’s because we believe it’s necessary since he doesn’t feel comfortable or at ease.
“If he doesn’t play, it’s because I understand he’s injured. When discomfort prevents you from playing, if we want to call it an injury, we can call it an injury, but it seems to be, and I hope it is, not a serious injury, a minor issue, and he can return in a few days or weeks.
“We have a diagnosis, but I’m not the one to disclose such data about the players’ health. We are very clear about what was happening, what has happened, and what’s happening now. We want him to recover, be at 100%, and that’s why we decided he should stop.”
Mbappe’s absence would be keenly felt. The 27-year-old has been decisive this season, racking up 38 goals and six assists in just 33 appearances across all competitions, often setting the tempo for Los Blancos’ attacking play.
Real Madrid now turn their focus to domestic action, hosting Getafe in La Liga on Monday night. Beyond that, attention will quickly shift back to Europe, with a Champions League last-16 tie looming against either Sporting CP or Manchester City on March 10 or 11.
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