Overview
- Mbappé missed the 2-1 win over Benfica after a training flare-up in his left knee, with Madrid advancing 3-1 on aggregate to face Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16.
- Coach Álvaro Arbeloa said the decision was made with medical staff for Mbappé to stop and return only at 100% fitness, adding his absence could last days or weeks.
- Multiple reports say he is following conservative treatment and seeking specialist input, with surgery not planned as he manages a sprain first noted in December.
- Spanish media and Fabrizio Romano cite an internal estimate of roughly 10–14 days and suggest he could be ready for City, though Madrid director Emilio Butragueño said the club does not know if he will be available.
- He is set to miss Monday’s Getafe match, with Rodrygo expected to return, as Madrid lean on others in attack while their top scorer continues a cautious recovery.