Kvaratskhelia Faces Months Out With Torn ACL as PSG Lose Three Stars

Paris Saint-Germain won 4-2 against Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, but the victory came at a cost. Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, and teammates Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos both left the match with thigh injuries.

The club confirmed on Wednesday that Kvaratskhelia will have surgery in the coming days, according to statements reported by Al Jazeera and USA Today. Dembele and Marquinhos are expected to be out for several weeks.

What happened to Kvaratskhelia?

According to The Guardian and Al Jazeera, the Georgian landed awkwardly after sprinting back to make a tackle on Barcelona's Xavi Espart early in the second half. He clutched his knee in obvious pain. The Guardian reported that he was helped off and could not put weight on the leg. Al Jazeera said he was replaced on the hour mark, while The Guardian said it was just before the hour.

PSG said he suffered a rupture of the ligament and would undergo surgery. USA Today noted that the club did not announce a timetable for his return.

How long will he be out?

Reports differ on the typical recovery. The Guardian said ACL injuries usually require at least six months, while USA Today put recovery from surgery at around nine months, with the exact time depending on the severity of the injury and his rehabilitation. USA Today described the loss of the 25-year-old for the rest of the 2026-27 season, or at least most of it, as a major blow to PSG.

Kvaratskhelia responded on Instagram, as quoted by The Guardian. He wrote that he had asked “why me?” and said he prepared for the game better than ever. He promised to come back stronger for his supporters.

What about Dembele and Marquinhos?

Dembele, who won the men's Ballon d'Or for the 2024-25 season, suffered a left thigh injury. Al Jazeera reported that he pulled up clutching the back of the thigh in the 19th minute after a run down the left. Marquinhos, the 32-year-old captain, hurt his right thigh and was replaced on the hour mark, according to Al Jazeera.

PSG said both players will remain under treatment for the next few weeks. Neither return date was given.

Dembele's fitness has been a recurring topic. The Guardian and Al Jazeera reported that coach Luis Enrique used him sparingly in the French league last season and has already rested him twice in Ligue 1 this season. The France forward, who scored six goals at the World Cup, struggled with injuries last season and had leg muscle problems at his previous club, Barcelona. His Ballon d'Or season was the first time he played 50 games in a campaign.

Why does it matter?

For PSG supporters, the injuries hit a squad that is the two-time defending Champions League winner and is trying to repeat as European and French champion, as USA Today noted. The win over Barcelona was the club's third straight in this season's competition, so the team is in good form but now short of three prominent players.

The news also touches the individual awards race. USA Today reported that Kvaratskhelia is among the 30 finalists for the 2026 Ballon d'Or after finishing 12th in the 2025 voting. The Guardian described him as one of the contenders for the award, which it said will be presented on Monday. He has scored 29 goals and provided 20 assists in 91 games for PSG, USA Today reported.

What happens next?

PSG host Lyon in Ligue 1 on Sunday, according to Al Jazeera. The two sides are level on points at the top of the table. Kvaratskhelia's surgery is expected in the coming days, and the club has not said how long Dembele and Marquinhos will be out beyond several weeks.

Around Prague, based on reporting by Al Jazeera, The Guardian, USA Today