Will Kylian Mbappe start against Benfica tonight in UCL?

Real Madrid are gunning for a place in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 when they host Benfica in the second leg of the playoff round clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening. However, a big question going around over the clash is Will Mbappe Play Tonight, and Will Mbappe play against Benfica for this big game, with Los Blancos already holding a 1-0 lead from the heated previous leg of the Real Madrid vs Benfica clash.

Will Kylian Mbappe Play In Real Madrid vs Benfica?

Kylian Mbappe has been a crucial player for Real Madrid in the 2025/26 season, but appears to have suffered an issue before the Real Madrid vs Benfica clash. For those who are asking, will Mbappe play tonight, or will Mbappe play against Benfica? The bad news is that the Frenchman looks set to miss the match. It's being reported that Mbappe could not complete Real Madrid's training session on the day before the Real Madrid vs Benfica clash because he might have reaggravated a knee injury that has troubled him all season long.

Mbappe has reportedly been forced to essentially play on ‘one leg’ over the last month, as every time he tries to put weight on his left knee, it hurts him. The pain became intolerable for Kylian Mbappe, so the Real Madrid medical staff have decided that he cannot play in the Real Madrid vs Benfica clash. Mbappe wasn't able to score in Real Madrid's recent leg against Benfica, but he has scored 13 goals in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League for his side and is currently the top scorer in the competition.

When could Kylian Mbappe return for Real Madrid?

Regarding the severity of the Kylian Mbappe injury, it appears that the Frenchman might be forced to be on the sidelines for a significant amount of time. That is because it's being claimed that Mbappe is likely to be out of action for at least three weeks of action for Real Madrid, as their medical staff wants to ensure that the Kylian Mbappe injury doesn't get reaggravated once he starts playing once again.

This could lead to some major headaches for Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa, who is now at risk of missing Mbappe for several important games. The Frenchman is not only set to miss the Benfica clash, but he might be out of action for crucial league matches against Getafe, Celta Vigo, and Elche as well!

Moreover, there is even an ongoing fear that he might not be able to play in a potential Champions League Round of 16 fixture against Manchester City or Sporting CP, if Real Madrid can move into those rounds. The French forward has been a leading figure in Real Madrid's frontline in the 2025/26 season, scoring an amazing 38 goals in 33 appearances for them so far, and the Kylian Mbappe injury will definitely make the club miss him.