Kvaratskhelia to have surgery as PSG confirm ACL rupture

Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery in the coming days, a major setback for the European champions.

The club announced the diagnosis in a medical update on Wednesday, 21 October, following their 4–2 Champions League victory over Barcelona. The 25-year-old Georgia winger was helped off shortly before the hour after twisting his knee and struggling to put weight on the leg.

PSG have not specified how long Kvaratskhelia will be out. The announcement confirms the injury and planned operation, but leaves his recovery schedule open.

The same bulletin also set out injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos. Dembélé has injured his left thigh, while the captain has a right thigh injury. PSG said both would continue receiving treatment over the coming weeks.

Dembélé, the reigning Ballon d'Or holder, had left the Barcelona game in the 19th minute. He began the season with four goals and six assists across all competitions, adding to the attacking production PSG must replace.

Kvaratskhelia's importance was underlined by UEFA naming him its Champions League Player of the Season for 2025/26. He scored ten goals and supplied six assists in 16 appearances as PSG won the competition for a second consecutive year.

Luis Enrique's side are pursuing a third straight European title and lead the league phase with three victories from three games. They are second in Ligue 1, behind Lyon on goal difference, and host the leaders at the Parc des Princes on Sunday, 25 October.

Sources

• Medical update after Barcelona — PSG (2026-10-21)
• Kvaratskhelia surgery and PSG injury update — Reuters (2026-10-21)
• Kvaratskhelia surgery confirmed — Sky Sports (2026-10-21)
• 2025/26 Player of the Season — UEFA (2026-05-31)