Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ruptures ACL in PSG’s 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Paris St Germain’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona on Tuesday, leaving the Georgian winger unable to continue.

The injury occurred after Kvaratskhelia twisted his knee while sprinting back to make a tackle on Xavi Espart; he landed awkwardly, clutched his right knee in visible distress and was helped off the pitch just before the hour mark, unable to put any weight on the leg. Medical assessment identified the damage as a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Kvaratskhelia has played a leading role in helping PSG to back-to-back Champions League titles and is one of the contenders for the Ballon d’Or, which will be awarded on Monday. His status as a Ballon d’Or candidate was noted alongside the match developments.

Ousmane Dembélé was forced off earlier in the game with a thigh injury and defender Marquinhos was substituted with a similar problem; PSG said both players would have treatment for the next few weeks. Coach Luis Enrique’s handling of Dembélé was referenced in the report, including his limited use in domestic competition last season and measures taken so far this campaign.

The France forward scored six goals at the World Cup and the article reports he had struggled with injuries last season, having been beset by leg muscle problems at his previous club, Barcelona. In 2024-25 Dembélé played 50 games in a season for the first time in his career and, the article states, his performances earned him the men’s Ballon d’Or.

The ACL rupture was the most serious of the three injuries sustained by PSG in the match. Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery on his right knee.