Kvaratskhelia ruptures ACL in PSG win over Barcelona, ending his Champions League season

Paris Saint-Germain’s bid for a third consecutive Champions League title suffered a severe blow on Tuesday after the club confirmed that star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The 25-year-old was injured during PSG’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona and will require surgery in the coming days.

Kvaratskhelia was forced off just before the hour mark at the Parc des Princes, unable to bear weight on his right leg after appearing to twist his knee. The injury ends what had been another standout European campaign for the Georgia international, who was named Champions League player of the season last year following PSG’s back-to-back continental triumphs.

The damage to PSG’s squad did not stop there. Captain Marquinhos and forward Ousmane Dembélé are both expected to miss several weeks with thigh injuries sustained in the same match. Dembélé signalled to the bench in the 19th minute, clutching the back of his left thigh, while Marquinhos was also substituted in the second half.

Despite the triple injury blow, PSG still managed to secure a commanding 4-2 result against Barcelona, keeping their Champions League campaign firmly on track. However, the absence of Kvaratskhelia — one of the most dynamic wide players in European football — represents a significant obstacle as the club pursues an unprecedented third straight European crown.