PSG confirm ACL rupture and surgery for Kvaratskhelia
Paris Saint-Germain have announced that winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tore his anterior cruciate ligament during Tuesday's 4-2 Champions League home victory over Barcelona. The French champions stated that the 25-year-old will go under the knife within the next few days, but they declined to say how long he will be sidelined. Kvaratskhelia, who was voted the competition's finest player last season, now confronts an extended spell on the sidelines.[S1][S2][S3][S4][S5][S6]
The Georgia captain shared an emotional message on Instagram in which he admitted asking why the setback had happened to him. He described having prayed before matches to come through them uninjured, said he felt he had prepared for the Barcelona fixture better than ever, and framed the months ahead as a period of hard work, suffering and tears. He also pledged to return stronger for the supporters who back him and promised not to waste any time in his rehabilitation.[S1]
A costly night against Barcelona
The injury overshadowed a statement result for Luis Enrique's side, who beat the Spanish champions by the same 4-2 margin they had recorded against Manchester City earlier in the month. PSG's medical bulletin was not limited to Kvaratskhelia: Ousmane Dembele, the current Ballon d'Or holder, and skipper Marquinhos both picked up thigh problems and will stay under treatment for several weeks. Nuno Mendes was already unavailable after getting hurt in the Ligue 1 win at Strasbourg on Saturday.[S1]
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Kvaratskhelia will certainly sit out PSG's Champions League visit to Aston Villa on December 8, and whether he features again in this campaign is now in serious doubt. The forward has been shortlisted for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a standout season in which he contributed to consecutive Champions League triumphs and a Ligue 1 title. Since arriving from Napoli in January 2025 for £59m plus add-ons, he has developed into one of the most feared attackers in the game.[S1]
What the absence means for a three-peat chase
PSG remain unbeaten in Europe this season, topping the 36-team league phase with three wins from three, and sit second in Ligue 1 level on points with leaders Lyon. Sky Sports' Laura Hunter argued that the club paid a heavy price for the Barcelona win and that Kvaratskhelia's campaign is finished. She called the loss a blow both to PSG and to neutrals who enjoy watching him, while noting that Desire Doue and Maghnes Akliouche give Luis Enrique cover.[S1]
Even with that depth, Hunter judged that the setback makes a third consecutive European crown considerably harder to achieve, though she stopped short of writing off the club's chances. The Ballon d'Or recipient is due to be confirmed on Monday, with Kvaratskhelia still on the shortlist despite his injury.[S1]
