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In brief
PSG said on Wednesday, 21 October, that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Barcelona and will have surgery in the coming days.
Il Fatto Quotidiano reported at least six months of recovery after surgery, while Spanish physiotherapist Angel Villanueva predicted nine months in posts on X.
Kvaratskhelia has 15 appearances this season with two goals and one assist, according to SAPO, and scored 10 goals with 7 assists in 16 matches in the last Champions League campaign.
- 20 OctKvaratskhelia injured in a challenge with Xavi Espart during the 4-2 win over Barcelona
- 59th minuteMaghnes Akliouche replaces him and two medical staff members help him off the pitch
- 21 OctPSG confirms anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee
- Post-surgeryRehabilitation begins, with at least six months of recovery reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano
The injury on the pitch
On Tuesday, 20 October, Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 4-2 in matchday three of the Champions League league phase, but the result was overshadowed by an injury to winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He was challenged by Barcelona right back Xavi Espart while trying to win back possession, and he came down awkwardly, twisting his right knee. Unable to bear weight on the leg, he was helped off the pitch by two members of the PSG medical staff after being replaced by Maghnes Akliouche around the 59th minute. Reports described his visible distress as he left the field and noted that the medical team was worried from the start. Several outlets said he understood the seriousness of the injury immediately.
The club confirms the ligament rupture
On Wednesday, 21 October, PSG issued an official statement confirming that Kvaratskhelia has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The club said he will undergo surgery in the coming days. The Independent reported that the injury is likely to rule him out for the rest of the season. Il Fatto Quotidiano reported that recovery after the operation would take at least six months. Before the statement, L'Equipe had reported that an ACL tear was feared, a report that La Razón and SAPO repeated, while Marca had reported a strong suspicion of the same injury. His entourage said the first tests were not encouraging, and an MRI was scheduled for the same day. Spanish physiotherapist Angel Villanueva, who analyses injury mechanics on X, predicted a nine-month absence after reviewing the impact, and several French media also cited a possible absence of nine months.
Career and season context
Kvaratskhelia is 25 and was named Champions League player of the season last campaign after PSG won back-to-back European crowns. In that campaign he played 16 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing 7 assists.
- Matches played
- 16
- Goals
- 10
- Assists
- 7
Data from the article text
This season he has 15 appearances with two goals and one assist, according to SAPO. He is also among the Ballon d'Or nominees, and SAPO reported that several supporters believe he should win the award. His absence would remove one of the players who featured in the club's two most recent Champions League titles, according to Il Fatto Quotidiano.
Impact on PSG
PSG face absences elsewhere in the squad as well. Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos also left the match with injuries, and NewsIT reported that muscle problems will keep them out for the next few weeks. RTBF reported that the injury could give Belgian Mika Godts more minutes under coach Luis Enrique, who has so far used him in a marginal role with just over 200 minutes played this season. The Independent described the injury as a significant blow to PSG's hopes of a third straight Champions League title. The next concrete step is the surgery, after which rehabilitation will determine how long the winger is out.