Confirmed Ballon hope crumbles after PSG winger tears ACL

Confirmed Ballon d’Or favourite Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has suffered a ruptured ACL, ruling the 25‑year‑old out for the rest of the season, after the PSG‑Barcelona Champions League clash that produced six goals and an astonishing 40 shots in a match billed as the showdown between the two best teams in Europe.

Six goals and a frantic tempo

The encounter lived up to its hype, with both sides deploying fast, high‑pressing, attacking football. The relentless intensity generated six goals and a staggering forty attempts on target, underscoring the quality on display.

PSG eventually prevailed as the home side, capitalising when Barca began to run out of gas in the closing stages. The victory cemented the Parisians’ dominance in the competition at that moment.

However, the triumph came at a price. Three players limped off in the second half: Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos each suffered what appeared to be hamstring tweaks, while Kvaratskhelia was helped off on the shoulders of two teammates, signalling a more serious problem.

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Scans later confirmed the worst‑case scenario – a fully ruptured ACL for the winger. Given that it is almost November, the injury is expected to keep him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The loss is a heavy blow for PSG and for football at large. The former Napoli man, among the Ballon d’Or favourites, joins a squad that already boasts summer signings Ferran Torres, Maghnes Akliouche and Mika Godts, but the absence of the exceptional 25‑year‑old weakens their attacking options.

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Kvaratskhelia will learn on Friday whether he lifts the Ballon d’Or, a bittersweet prospect after the season‑ending setback.