European champions Paris Saint-Germain have been rocked by the confirmation that star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee.
The French club have confirmed Kvaratskhelia, named Champions League player of the season last campaign after PSG won back-to-back European crowns, will undergo surgery in the coming days.
But the injury is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season and is a significant blow to PSG’s hopes of winning a third consecutive Champions League title.
The Georgia international was hurt during PSG’s 4-2 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday evening and was forced off just before the hour mark.
The 25-year-old was unable to put any weight on his right leg as he was helped off the pitch, after appearing to twist his knee.
PSG also confirmed that Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos are likely to miss the next several weeks due to thigh injuries suffered in the same match.
Dembele was forced off in the 19th minute, signalling to the bench as he held the back of his left thigh, before Marquinhos was also substituted due to a similar issue in the second half.
The confirmation of Kvaratskhelia’s injury in particular took the shine off PSG’s statement victory over Barcelona after Luis Enrique’s side made it three wins from three in the Champions League this season.
Kvaratskhelia, who was signed from Napoli in January 2025, scored 10 goals and made six assists in 16 Champions League appearances last season as PSG defeated Arsenal in the final.
He won PSG’s penalty in the Budapest final after he was tripped by Cristhian Mosquera in the box, with Dembele levelling from the spot as PSG went on to win on a penalty shoot-out.
Kvaratskhelia’s performances in last season’s Champions League means he is likely to place highly in next week’s Ballon d’Or awards, after finishing 12th in the voting last year.
PSG sanctioned the sale of France international winger Bradley Barcola to Liverpool in the summer and also sold teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye to Aston Villa, but also signed attacking players in Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts.
A club statement on Wednesday morning said: “Having suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during yesterday's match against FC Barcelona, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery in the coming days.
“Following a left thigh injury, Ousmane Dembélé will remain under treatment for the next few weeks. Following a right thigh injury, Marquinhos will remain under treatment for the next few weeks.”
Meanwhile, Barcelona have reported PSG to Uefa after supporters of the French side unveiled a banner displaying a masked man wielding a bloody chainsaw through their opponent’s club crest.
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