Follow-up – INA
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa announced the squad for Wednesday evening's Champions League round of 16 second leg against Benfica, with French star Kylian Mbappe notably absent.
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The French newspaper L'Equipe indicated doubts surrounding Mbappe's participation due to pain in his left knee, while Marca confirmed his absence from the starting lineup. Indeed, the squad announced by Real Madrid earlier today did not include the 27-year-old, who has scored 38 goals this season.
Spanish reports, most notably AS, highlighted that Mbappe's absence will continue until his knee problem is fully resolved, ensuring his readiness for the Champions League round of 16, should his team qualify, scheduled for the second week of March.
The reports explained that Mbappe is completely dissatisfied with the way his injury is being managed and is seeking a permanent solution that will allow him to enter the crucial stage of the season in top form.
Mbappé's absence poses a significant challenge for Real Madrid, who are striving to secure their place in the Round of 16, especially after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg in Lisbon last week, a match marked by dramatic events.
Real Madrid's squad for the Benfica match is as follows:
• Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Andriy Lunin, Fran González
• Defenders: Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marco Asensio, Carreras, Fran García, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy
• Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Sergio Cestero, Manuel Ángel, Palacios, Tiago
• Forwards: Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo, Brahim Díaz, Franco Mastantonu