PSG Triumph Over Barcelona but Lose Three Key Men to Injury
Champions League Victory Marred by Heavy Casualty List
Paris Saint‑Germain secured a 4-2 win against Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, preserving their unbeaten record in this season's Champions League. However, the triumph came at a steep cost as three of the club’s core players were forced off the pitch with significant injuries.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s Season‑Ending Knee Damage
The most alarming setback was suffered by Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee early in the second half following a challenge with Barcelona midfielder Xavi Espart. The 25‑year‑old was unable to bear weight and was stretchered off. PSG have confirmed that he will undergo surgery in the coming days, with no timetable yet given for his return. This injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.
Kvaratskhelia, who was making his first Champions League start of the season and has featured 11 times across all competitions so far, expressed his disappointment on social media, asking “Why me?” and vowing to work harder for the supporters who stand behind him.
Additional Setbacks: Dembele, Marquinhos and Mendes
Ousmane Dembélé and defender Marquinhos also left the field injured. PSG announced that Dembélé sustained a left‑thigh problem, while Marquinhos suffered a right‑thigh issue. Both players will undergo treatment for the next few weeks and are not expected to feature in the upcoming Ligue 1 clash against Lyon on 25 October.
Defender Nuno Mendes, who had already been sidelined with a left‑thigh injury after the Strasbourg match on 17 October, will also miss the Lyon encounter. The accumulation of these absences forces the Parisian side to consider extensive rotation in both defensive and attacking positions for the forthcoming fixtures.
Injury Summary
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – ruptured ACL (right knee), surgery pending, out for the season.
- Ousmane Dembélé – left‑thigh injury, expected to miss several weeks.
- Marquinhos – right‑thigh injury, expected to miss several weeks.
- Nuno Mendes – left‑thigh injury, out for the next few weeks.
Match Recap and What It Means for PSG
Despite the injury toll, PSG managed to turn a 2-2 deadlock into a 4-2 victory in the final ten minutes, securing a third straight win in the group stage and keeping their Champions League defence intact. The late goals demonstrated the depth of the squad, yet the loss of Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, Marquinhos and Mendes will test the team’s resilience in the domestic league and future European ties.
Coach Luis Enrique will now have to rely on squad players and perhaps adjust his tactical approach as he prepares for the Ligue 1 showdown with Lyon. The injury list also raises questions about squad depth and the club’s ability to maintain momentum across multiple competitions.
Looking Ahead
PSG’s immediate priority is to manage the rehabilitation of the injured players while maintaining the winning momentum established in Europe. The club’s medical staff will monitor the recovery processes closely, and fans will be hoping for a swift return, especially from Kvaratskhelia, whose talent has been a key component of the team’s attacking options.
In the short term, the Parisian side will need to tap into the resources of its broader squad to compensate for the loss of speed on the wing and defensive stability. The upcoming league fixtures will provide an early indication of how effectively PSG can adapt to this sudden depletion of talent.
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