Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to undergo surgery after suffering a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the French champions have confirmed.
The Georgian international sustained the injury during PSG’s UEFA Champions League clash against Barcelona on Tuesday, forcing him off the pitch before the hour mark.
Kvaratskhelia reportedly injured himself while tracking back to challenge a Barcelona player. He was unable to put weight on his right leg and required assistance from the medical staff to leave the pitch.
The diagnosis represents a major setback for the winger, who has been an important figure in PSG’s recent success, including their consecutive Champions League triumphs.
Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had earlier reported concerns over the severity of the injury, revealing that PSG were pessimistic about Kvaratskhelia’s condition ahead of further medical examinations.
Romano’s update came as the club awaited tests to establish the extent of the damage, with initial fears centred on a possible ACL injury.
PSG subsequently confirmed the rupture and announced that the 25-year-old would undergo surgery in the coming days.
An ACL injury typically requires several months of rehabilitation, although Kvaratskhelia’s precise recovery timeline will depend on the outcome of the surgery and his progress during rehabilitation.
The winger’s absence could prove costly for PSG manager Luis Enrique as the club navigates its domestic and European commitments.
Kvaratskhelia was not the only PSG player to suffer an injury during the encounter against Barcelona. The club also confirmed injuries to forward Ousmane Dembélé and Brazilian defender Marquinhos.
Dembélé sustained a muscle injury in his left thigh during the first half, while Marquinhos suffered an injury to his right thigh after the break.
Both players are expected to remain under medical supervision in the coming weeks as PSG monitor their recovery.
The three injury setbacks leave Enrique facing potential selection challenges ahead of the club’s upcoming fixtures, with Kvaratskhelia’s situation particularly concerning given the expected length of his recovery.