PSG's Kvaratskhelia has successful knee surgery, expected to miss more than six months

The injury in Paris

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 25-year-old Georgian winger, was hurt on 20 October during PSG's 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona. Mediafax, citing ESPN, reports the injury came early in the second half after a duel with Barcelona's Xavi Espart. He received treatment on the pitch and then left the field with help from the medical staff. Notícias ao Minuto says he was taken off in the 59th minute at the Parc des Princes. Italian outlet ANSA also ties the injury to contact with Espart, and SAPO describes it as a serious injury that will likely keep him off the pitch until the end of the season. That match was the third matchday of the league phase, and PSG won it at home.

Surgery and rehabilitation

Paris Saint-Germain announced on 27 October that the operation on his right knee had been successful. The procedure treated a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and was carried out at a clinic in Doha, Qatar. SAPO names the Aspetar hospital in Doha as the venue. The club said the Georgian would now begin his recovery process, but it did not give a return date. His entourage, contacted by AFP, said that at this stage it was difficult to talk about a return to the pitch.

How long he will be out

Estimates vary in detail, but all point to a long absence. Mediafax, citing typical recovery times, puts recovery at six to nine months and says he may miss the rest of the season. Notícias ao Minuto writes that he is expected to miss the entire season, with a stoppage of at least six months. ANSA and 7sur7 both say an absence of more than six months is expected for this type of injury. SAPO reports that the return will be assessed step by step, with medical monitoring continuing over the coming weeks.

Squad and club context

Mediafax reports that Ousmane Dembélé and captain Marquinhos are also injured, and that coach Luis Enrique has suggested PSG will not sign a replacement for the Georgian. Notícias ao Minuto names teammates Nuno Mendes, João Neves and Vitinha, and describes Kvaratskhelia as one of the team's essential players. He is part of a side that won the Champions League in each of the last two seasons, with 2024/25 the first title in the club's history. SAPO notes that he finished in the top 10 of the 2026 Ballon d'Or. In the current edition PSG top the league phase on nine points, level with Aston Villa, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Betis. In Ligue 1 they are one point ahead of Rennes, in a run of five straight league titles, and for now the club's focus is his rehabilitation.