Official: Real Madrid squad list to face SL Benfica – Mbappe out | OneFootball

Real Madrid will square off against SL Benfica in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs later tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu, riding on a 1-0 lead from the first leg.

Ahead of the game, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has announced the squad list of players available at his disposal for selection.

And, as expected, Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of the game due to ongoing knee issues, which could further sideline him for the next couple of matches as well.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes, Dean Huijsen, and Dani Ceballos are also unavailable due to injuries.

Arbeloa has decided to call up several young players from Castilla to the squad for tonight’s game with Jorge Cestero, Manuel Angel, Cesar Palacios, and Thiago Pitarch all featuring, along with young shot-stopper Fran Gonzalez.

Raul Asencio, who missed the reverse fixture due to suspension, is back in the squad and is expected to feature from the get-go alongside Antonio Rudiger.

Vinicius Jr., Aurelien Tchouameni, and Alvaro Carreras are all one book away from being suspended for the first leg of the Round of 16, in case Real Madrid do qualify.