PSG star Kvaratskhelia faces season-ending ACL injury

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during their 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona on Tuesday night ^[1]. The injury occurred just before the hour mark when Kvaratskhelia, attempting a tackle on Xavi Espart, landed awkwardly and was unable to put weight on his leg, prompting an immediate substitution ^[3].

The 25-year-old Georgia international, who joined PSG from Napoli in January 2025, played a pivotal role in their back-to-back Champions League triumphs and has been named as a contender for the Ballon d’Or, according to ^[2], though this claim has not been confirmed by multiple sources.

PSG also confirmed that Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos sustained thigh injuries during the same match and will be under treatment for the next few weeks ^[1]. Dembele, who scored six goals at the 2026 World Cup, has struggled with leg muscle issues in recent seasons and had been rested by coach Luis Enrique in Ligue 1 this campaign ^[2].

The club has not set a timeline for Kvaratskhelia’s return, but given the severity of an ACL rupture, he is likely to miss the remainder of the season ^[4]. This blow comes as PSG aim to defend their Champions League title and currently sit top of their group with three wins from three matches ^[3].

The injury occurred during a tense encounter at Parc des Princes, where PSG overturned a 2-2 draw in the final 10 minutes to secure their winning start to the defence of their European crown ^[3]. The story was first reported by Metro and The Guardian.