Paris St-Germain have been dealt a crushing injury blow. Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo knee surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during PSG’s 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona on Tuesday — a cruel twist on what was his first start of the season.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Credits: BBC Sport)
How the Injury Happened
The Georgia international sustained the injury during a challenge with Xavi Espart and was unable to put weight on his right leg as he was substituted in the 59th minute of the Champions League tie at Parc des Princes. With PSG and Barcelona level at 2-2 heading into the final 10 minutes, the hosts eventually scored twice late on to maintain their winning start to their Champions League defence, sitting top of the table with three wins from three matches.
PSG have not put a timeline on Kvaratskhelia’s return to action, but ACL ruptures typically keep players out for many months, making this a devastating setback for the 25-year-old.
A Key Figure for PSG’s European Dominance
The injury is a major blow for the reigning champions. Kvaratskhelia, who joined PSG from Napoli in January 2025, helped the club win back-to-back Champions League titles and has featured 11 times for the French side this season. His creativity on the wing has been central to PSG’s attacking identity.
The winger was not the only casualty on a brutal night for PSG. The club also confirmed that Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos will be absent for a “few weeks” — Dembele limped off with a left thigh injury while Marquinhos injured his right thigh. Losing three starters in a single matchday is a serious test of squad depth, even for a team as deep as PSG.
Also Read: PSG vs Barcelona: Europe’s Two Free-Scoring Giants Collide in Champions League Blockbuster
Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.