Real Madrid's head coach, Alvaro Arbeloa, announced that star striker Kylian Mbappe will not return in time for the crucial Champions League match against Benfica due to a knee injury. Mbappe, 27, has been dealing with pain for several months and will now take at least ten days to recover fully. Arbeloa emphasized that it was a joint decision involving the player, coaching staff, and medical team to ensure he returns to play at 100 percent without further risk of injury.

The decision comes after Mbappe experienced persistent pain during training, which ultimately led to his withdrawal from the squad ahead of the match. This setback is significant as Mbappe is Real Madrid’s top scorer and a key player in their pursuit of success in the Champions League. The prognosis indicates that while the injury is not severe, prioritizing a full recovery is essential for his long-term performance and availability.

Real Madrid's campaign in the Champions League is crucial for their season objectives, and losing a player of Mbappe's caliber poses a challenge for the team's strategy. While fans are understandably concerned about his absence, the coaching staff is hopeful for a speedy yet careful return, albeit one that ensures Mbappe is fully fit before stepping back onto the pitch, further emphasizing the importance of player health in high-stakes matches.