Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory over Barcelona has left a heavy mark on the Parisian side. In the aftermath of the season’s first major European meeting, the French champions confirmed that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will miss the rest of the campaign.
The Georgian winger sustained the injury during the second half of the match against Barcelona, in an accidental challenge involving Xavi Espart. There was no foul in the incident, but Kvaratskhelia immediately grabbed his knee and was unable to leave the pitch unaided. PSG said he will undergo surgery in the coming days.
It is a severe loss for Luis Enrique, whose side will be without one of Europe’s most influential attacking players as the season moves into its decisive months. Kvaratskhelia, a Ballon d’Or contender and the previous Champions League’s MVP, had become central to PSG’s continental ambitions.
Paris cannot automatically turn to the transfer market because of the injury. Unlike Spain’s long-term injury provisions, Ligue 1 permits an out-of-window replacement only for goalkeepers. PSG could, however, make use of the French “Joker” mechanism before 31 December, which allows a club to register one player already licensed with the French Football Federation. That would restrict any signing to a player from Ligue 1 or Ligue 2, while an eligible free agent could also be considered.
Further concerns after Barcelona night
Kvaratskhelia was not the only PSG player to leave the Barcelona encounter with a medical problem. Ousmane Dembélé had already been withdrawn during the first half after suffering a muscle injury to his left thigh. The club said the French forward will receive treatment over the coming weeks, without giving a projected return date.
Captain Marquinhos has also joined the injury list after leaving the game hurt. His condition mirrors Dembélé’s in broad terms, although the Brazilian defender’s muscular issue is in his right thigh. What began as a statement result in Europe has therefore given PSG an abruptly thinner squad for the road ahead.
