Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will have surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Tuesday's 4-2 victory over Barcelona, the club has confirmed. The 25-year-old Georgian, who was named the Champions League's best player last season, will undergo the operation "in the coming days," although no official recovery timeline has been provided.
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This injury raises significant concerns about Kvaratskhelia's ability to return this season, and he will certainly miss PSG's Champions League match against Aston Villa on December 8. In light of his previous performances, including helping PSG secure back-to-back Champions League titles and Ligue 1 success, Kvaratskhelia's absence is a considerable setback for the team, currently vying for a third consecutive Champions League crown.
Kvaratskhelia joined PSG from Napoli for £59 million plus add-ons in January 2025 and has emerged as a leading forward on the global stage. Alongside Kvaratskhelia, PSG also lost Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos to injuries during the match against Barcelona. Both players are dealing with thigh injuries and are expected to remain under treatment for the next few weeks. Additionally, key player Nuno Mendes is sidelined after an injury in Ligue 1 play.
PSG has displayed impressive form this season, successfully defending their Champions League title and achieving two 4-2 victories against Manchester City and Barcelona. Currently, they lead the 36-team league table with three wins out of three while sitting second in Ligue 1, level on points with leaders Lyon.
The loss of Kvaratskhelia poses a challenge for PSG's quest for European dominance, as noted by Sky Sports' Laura Hunter. While the club has other talented players like Desire Doue and Maghnes Akliouche, Kvaratskhelia's absence significantly complicates their objectives. Although it does not eliminate their chances of a European three-peat, it certainly makes the task more daunting.