In addition to our AI predtions we are going to start to deliver injury reports to allow our readers to get informed about factors that are not considered by our models.

It’s knockout time in the UEFA Champions League, and the injury bug is biting hard! As we head into tonight’s (February 17, 2026) playoff fixtures, some of Europe’s biggest stars are watching from the sidelines.

Here is your essential injury breakdown:

Benfica vs. Real Madrid

The “Kings of Europe” are limping into Lisbon.

• Real Madrid: The headline is the loss of Jude Bellingham, who is out for roughly eight weeks with a thigh injury. He joins Éder Militão (hamstring) on the treatment table. With Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio suspended, the pressure is entirely on a returning Kylian Mbappé to carry the attack.
• Benfica: The Eagles are flying high with a nearly full-strength squad, relying on veteran leadership from Nicolás Otamendi.

Galatasaray vs. Juventus

• Juventus: The Bianconeri are facing a full-blown striker crisis. Jonathan David was a late scratch today with a groin issue, joining Dušan Vlahović (adductor) and Arek Milik (calf) on the sidelines. They are incredibly thin up front against a hostile Istanbul crowd.
• Galatasaray: No major concerns here; Victor Osimhen is fit and leading the line.

AS Monaco vs. Paris Saint-Germain

• Monaco: A massive list of absentees including Dier, Fati, and Hrádecký. They are also sweating on the fitness of Maghnes Akliouche.
• PSG: Fabian Ruiz is out with a knee injury. The big question mark is Ousmane Dembélé; he’s traveled, but muscle fatigue might limit him to a role off the bench.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta

• Dortmund: Luck is on their side tonight. Aside from minor knocks, they have a healthy Serhou Guirassy ready to lead the Yellow Wall.
• Atalanta: The Italians are missing Ademola Lookman (knee) and Odilon Kossounou (thigh), two massive blows to their transition game.

Which team do you think has the depth to overcome these massive absences tonight?