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Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to undergo surgery after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the French club’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.
PSG confirmed the injury in a statement on Wednesday, revealing that the Georgia international would require an operation in the coming days.
“Having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during yesterday’s match against FC Barcelona, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to undergo surgery in the coming days,” the club said.
The injury occurred during Tuesday’s league phase encounter at the Parc des Princes, where the reigning European champions secured an impressive victory over the Spanish giants.
Kvaratskhelia went down shortly before the hour mark without any apparent contact with another player. He subsequently left the pitch, raising concerns about the severity of the injury.
The diagnosis of an ACL tear represents a significant setback for the winger and PSG, particularly given his importance to the club’s attacking play.
Major setback for PSG
Kvaratskhelia, 25, has established himself as one of PSG’s key attacking players since joining the French champions.
The Georgian international is known for his dribbling ability, pace, creativity and capacity to create scoring opportunities from wide positions. His contributions have helped strengthen PSG’s attacking options in domestic and European competitions.
His injury is likely to leave the coaching staff with the task of adjusting their attacking plans while the player undergoes treatment and begins his recovery.
An ACL tear is a serious knee injury that often requires surgery and an extended rehabilitation programme. Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury, the treatment required and the player’s progress during rehabilitation.
PSG, however, did not provide a specific timeframe for Kvaratskhelia’s return, saying only that surgery would take place in the coming days.
The club will be hoping for a successful operation as the winger begins what could be a lengthy period away from competitive football.
Ballon d’Or recognition in focus
The injury also comes at an important moment in Kvaratskhelia’s individual career, with the winger among the contenders for the Ballon d’Or award scheduled to be presented on Monday.
The annual award recognises the outstanding individual performer in world football, with players judged on their performances and achievements during the relevant assessment period.
Kvaratskhelia has played a leading role in PSG’s recent European success, helping the club win back-to-back Champions League titles.
His performances have strengthened his reputation as one of the prominent attacking talents in European football, making his injury an unwelcome development ahead of the ceremony.
Although his immediate focus will be on treatment and recovery, his absence is also expected to attract attention as PSG prepare for their next fixtures.
Dembele, Marquinhos also injured
Meanwhile, PSG have confirmed that forward Ousmane Dembele and central defender Marquinhos will also spend several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining thigh injuries.
The club disclosed that both players would be unavailable for “several weeks”, adding to the injury concerns following the victory over Barcelona.
Dembele, who currently holds the Ballon d’Or, is an important figure in PSG’s attacking set-up, while Marquinhos provides experience and leadership at the heart of the defence.
Their expected absences will require the coaching staff to make adjustments in both the attacking and defensive departments as the season progresses.
Dembele’s injury is particularly notable because of his status as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and his importance to PSG’s offensive approach.
Marquinhos’ absence could also affect the team’s defensive organisation, given his role as a central defender and one of the club’s senior players.
PSG face selection challenges
The injuries to Kvaratskhelia, Dembele and Marquinhos leave PSG with important decisions to make as they seek to maintain their momentum in the Champions League and domestic competitions.
The French side will need to manage their squad carefully while the injured players receive treatment and work towards returning to action.
Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona demonstrated PSG’s attacking strength, but the loss of three key players could test the depth of the squad in the coming weeks.
For Kvaratskhelia, attention will now turn to his operation and subsequent rehabilitation, with PSG yet to announce when the winger could return to competitive football.
The club will also monitor the progress of Dembele and Marquinhos as they recover from their respective thigh injuries.
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