Paris Saint-Germain confirmed that forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery in the coming days, according to ESPN. The Kvaratskhelia ACL injury happened in the 59th minute of PSG’s 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona on Tuesday, when the 25-year-old collided with Barcelona’s Xavi Espart.
Kvaratskhelia had to be carried off the field by PSG medical staff after the collision, according to ESPN. The club has not set a specific timeline for his return, but CBS Sports reported the severity of the injury raises serious doubts about whether the Georgian forward plays again this season.
What PSG And Kvaratskhelia Have Said
PSG said Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery on his right knee in the coming days. No other details have been released.
Kvaratskhelia addressed the injury directly in a message posted on Instagram, according to FOX Sports. “I prepared for this game the best I have ever prepared. I thought I was prepared for everything.
I’m ready to go through these months in labor, pain, tears. I know I have to come back stronger for my people who always have my back, I won’t let you down,” he wrote.
Who Replaces Him In PSG’s Attack
PSG has options to fill Kvaratskhelia’s role. Maghnes Akliouche and Ferran Torres are among the forwards who could step in, though none are considered at his level.
Two other PSG players were injured in the same match. Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, suffered a left thigh injury in the 19th minute and will be out for several weeks. Captain Marquinhos, 32, suffered a right thigh injury in the 58th minute and is also facing several weeks out.
Marquinhos has made more than 500 appearances for PSG since joining in 2013.Or winner, suffered a left thigh injury in the 19th minute, and captain Marquinhos was also hurt, with both facing several weeks out, per Sky Sports. Marquinhos, 32, has made more than 500 appearances for PSG since joining in 2013.
Season Context
Kvaratskhelia joined PSG from Napoli for £59 million plus add-ons in January 2025. He was named the Champions League’s best player last season and finished with 16 goal involvements, earning him a spot on the 2026 Ballon d’Or shortlist.
Those performances made him a key part of PSG’s attack heading into this season. The ACL tear now removes him from that role for an unspecified stretch during a campaign in which PSG had leaned on his production in Europe.
What’s Next
Kvaratskhelia will definitely miss PSG’s Champions League trip to Aston Villa on Dec. 8, according to Sky Sports. No return timeline has been confirmed beyond that match, and PSG have not indicated when a further medical update on his recovery will come.
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