Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will have surgery in the coming days. Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos also have thigh injuries after Tuesday’s 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona.
Paris, France: PSG issued a medical communiqué on Wednesday, the day after their 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona, that set out three separate injuries. Kvaratskhelia has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and will undergo surgery in the coming days. Dembélé has a left thigh injury and Marquinhos a right thigh injury, and both will be in treatment for the coming weeks.
The most serious blow
Kvaratskhelia, 25, was replaced around the hour mark at the Parc des Princes. The club did not put a timescale on his recovery, but reports on Wednesday described him as expected to be out for months.
Ronaldo shows support
Kvaratskhelia’s idol Cristiano Ronaldo showed support following the news. Ronaldo said, “The hardest battles in football are often ones nobody sees. I know that feeling, Kvara. But never forget what brought you this far, and don’t let a difficult moment make you doubt how far you can go.”
Dembélé and Marquinhos
Dembélé, 29, left the pitch early in the match, in the 19th minute according to the Associated Press. Marquinhos, the 32-year-old captain, was replaced around the hour mark. The communiqué used the same wording for both players, saying they would be in treatment for the coming weeks, without naming a return date or the specific muscle affected.
A short turnaround for Luis Enrique
The timing is awkward. PSG face Lyon in Ligue 1 on Sunday, and the two clubs are among a group level on 14 points at the top of the table. The communiqué did not say whether Dembélé or Marquinhos would be available. Kvaratskhelia is certain to miss the game.
The win in Paris was PSG’s third in a row in this season’s Champions League. How far the three injuries disrupt that run will depend on how quickly the two thigh problems clear, because the club has not yet said when either player is expected back.
