Paris Saint-Germain confirmed on 21 October that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the 4-2 Champions League win over Barcelona and will have surgery in the coming days. The club has not given a timeframe for his return. The Guardian calls it the most serious of three injuries PSG suffered in the game, with Ousmane Dembélé and captain Marquinhos both forced off with thigh problems.
According to The Guardian, the Georgian landed awkwardly after sprinting back to tackle Xavi Espart and was helped off just before the hour, unable to put weight on his right leg. Our report on the match itself is here: PSG beat Barcelona 4-2.
How long will he be out? Estimates differ
With PSG giving no timeline, every figure in circulation is a media estimate:
| Source | Estimate |
|---|---|
| PSG (official) | Not given; surgery in the coming days |
| The Guardian | ACL injuries typically need at least six months |
| Le Monde (via Bongda24h) | At least six months, plus time to regain match fitness |
| L'Équipe (via VnExpress) | Nine months on average; 12 to 18 months if the meniscus is also damaged |
| FotMob (via Tuổi Trẻ) | Could miss the rest of the season |
The 12-to-18-month figure in VnExpress's headline therefore applies only if the meniscus is also affected, which PSG have not said. Tuổi Trẻ, BongdaPlus and Bongda24h all suggest his 2026-27 season is likely over.
"Why me?"
"Before every game I asked God to let me leave the pitch healthy," Kvaratskhelia wrote on Instagram. "But it was in vain. Not much time has passed, yet one thought keeps circling in my head: why me?" He said he had prepared for this game better than ever and promised to come back stronger.
Three injuries from one win
PSG said Dembélé (left thigh) and Marquinhos (right thigh) will have treatment for the next few weeks, according to The Guardian, VnExpress and Tuổi Trẻ. VnExpress notes that long lay-offs have been rare under Luis Enrique, in charge since July 2023.
Kvaratskhelia joined from Napoli in January 2025 for about 72 million US dollars and has 91 appearances and 29 goals for PSG, VnExpress reports. He scored in the 5-0 final win over Inter in 2025, and Tuổi Trẻ says he had 10 goals and six assists in 17 games in the 2025-26 Champions League, was named player of the tournament and won the penalty that brought PSG level in the final against Arsenal, which they won on penalties.
What comes next
Surgery is the immediate step. He remains a Ballon d'Or contender, with the award due to be presented in London on Monday 26 October, according to Tuổi Trẻ, Bongda24h and The Guardian. Follow further updates on our European football page.