PSG confirm Kvaratskhelia needs surgery after right-knee ACL rupture

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will require surgery after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during their Champions League victory over Barcelona. The club's medical update said the operation would take place in the coming days, but did not set a timetable for the winger's return to football.

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The injury occurred in Tuesday's 4-2 home win, with PSG announcing the diagnosis on Wednesday, October 21. Sky Sports reported that the 25-year-old Georgia international had been named the Champions League's best player last season. He helped the French club retain their European title and win Ligue 1, and is also nominated for the 2026 Ballon d'Or.

Kvaratskhelia was not the only PSG player injured against Barcelona. The same club bulletin confirmed a left-thigh injury for Ousmane Dembele and a right-thigh injury for captain Marquinhos. Both will receive treatment over the coming weeks. PSG gave neither player a specific comeback date, leaving their availability beyond that treatment period unresolved in the announcement.

The three setbacks add to an existing absence for Luis Enrique's team. According to Sky Sports, Nuno Mendes missed the Barcelona match after being injured in Saturday's Ligue 1 win at Strasbourg. PSG nevertheless maintained their perfect European start, winning their first three league-phase matches and beating Manchester City and Barcelona by identical 4-2 scores this month.

In an Instagram message reported by Sky Sports, Kvaratskhelia described his distress at the injury and thanked supporters for their encouragement. He also expressed his determination to work through recovery and return stronger. The forward joined PSG from Napoli in January 2025 and has since been part of the club's successive Champions League-winning campaigns.

For now, the confirmed next step for Kvaratskhelia is surgery, rather than a scheduled return to training or competition. Although the injury has prompted concern about whether he can play again this season, PSG's statement did not rule him out for the remainder of the campaign. Its medical update distinguished his planned operation from the treatment announced for Dembele and Marquinhos.