Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: PSG forward set for surgery after rupturing ACL in Champions League win over Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set for a long-term lay-off after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Barcelona; PSG also lost Ousmane Dembele and captain Marquinhos to injury in the 4-2 victory
Wednesday 21 October 2026 14:01, UK
Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to have surgery after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the French club have confirmed.
The 25-year-old, who was named the Champions League's best player last season, was injured in Tuesday's 4-2 home win over Barcelona.
The European champions have said Kvaratskhelia will have an operation "in the coming days" but gave no timeline for his recovery.
The Georgia international posted an emotional statement on Instagram, adding he has wondered 'why me' as he faces a long road to recovery.
He posted: "Many people asked me about this stand, many said that if all the footballers in the world prayed, the game would end in a draw.
"This could be true but before every game I play I ask God to leave the field healthy but in vain. It hasn't been a long time, but it's still on my mind - why me anyway? I have never missed anything probably I prepared for this game the best I have ever prepared for.
"I thought I was prepared for everything, but not, and I realize that God chose me and if I protected the players on another field, I'm ready to go through these months in labour, pain, tears.
"I know I have to come back stronger for my people who always have my back, I won't let you down I promise I won't waste a second. Thank you all for your support see you soon."
The injury raises serious concerns over whether Kvaratskhelia will play again this season, but he will definitely miss PSG's Champions League trip to Aston Villa on December 8.
Kvaratskhelia has been nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after a stellar campaign last season as he helped PSG earn back-to-back Champions League titles as well as Ligue 1 glory.
The Georgia captain's injury setback is a major blow for PSG, who are in pursuit of a third straight Champions League crown.
Kvaratskhelia has emerged as one of the world's leading forwards since joining the French champions from Napoli for £59m plus add-ons in January 2025.
Dembele and Marquinhos also suffer injuries
PSG also lost Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d'Or holder, and captain Marquinhos to injury against Barca.
The French club's statement says both players have thigh injuries and "will remain under treatment for the next few weeks".
Another key player, Nuno Mendes, is also injured after missing the win over the Spanish champions following an injury in PSG's Ligue 1 win at Strasbourg on Saturday.
PSG have been in scintillating form in Europe this season since defending their title in May, beating Manchester City and Barcelona by the same 4-2 scoreline this month.
Luis Enrique's side are top of the 36-team league table after three wins from three, while they sit second in Ligue 1, level on points with leaders Lyon.
Losing Kvaratskhelia makes European domination much harder
Sky Sports' Laura Hunter:
PSG paid a high price for Tuesday's thrilling Champions League win over Barcelona, losing captain Marquinhos, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to injury. Unfortunately for the latter, his season is over.
Not only is that a massive shame for the supremely talented Georgian, but a significant blow to PSG and fans of football more broadly. Kvaratskhelia is the type of player you happily pay to watch, whether you have an affinity to PSG or not.
He's played a key role for the double European champions over the past two seasons, including 16 goal involvements last year, and has earned a place on the Ballon d'Or shortlist - the recipient of the prize will be confirmed on Monday.
PSG of course have plenty of talent to cover the 25-year-old's absence. Desire Doue is doing marvellous things this season and I also like what Maghnes Akliouche offers. But this is a setback for Luis Enrique.
It won't end PSG's chances of a famous European three-peat. But it makes the task much harder.
Barca complain to UEFA over 'chainsaw massacre' banner at PSG game
Barcelona have made a complaint to UEFA over a 'chainsaw massacre' banner displayed during Tuesday night's game.
The banner carried the slogan 'Massacre, Parisien style' and depicted a masked man in a PSG shirt cutting through a Barcelona crest with a chainsaw, with pyrotechnics giving the effect of sparks flying as the saw made contact.
Sources close to the Catalan club said the content of the banner, and some offensive chants from the stands, were reported to UEFA's match delegate.
UEFA declined to comment when contacted by the Press Association.
Barcelona twice came back from a goal down to level the game at 2-2 with 11 minutes left, but the back-to-back European champions sealed a 4-2 win with goals from Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz.
