Kvaratskhelia injured in the 40th minute, a hard blow for PSG

In the 40th minute of the third matchday of the Champions League between Paris Saint‑Germain and FC Barcelona, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was injured, leaving the pitch at the same time as Ousmane Dembélé and Marquinhos, with the score already at 4‑2.

Match timeline

Forty minutes after Ousmane Dembélé's goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was forced to leave, at the same moment Marquinhos had to abandon the pitch. The match, which pitted PSG against FC Barcelona, was on the third matchday of the Champions League group stage. The score was already 4‑2 in favor of the Catalans.

FC Barcelona eventually won the encounter 4‑2, handing a defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain. This loss complicates PSG's prospects in the group, which now must pick up points to hope for qualification. Kvaratskhelia's injury adds to the team's difficulties.

The Georgian was diagnosed with a torn knee cruciate ligament, an injury that will keep him away from the pitch for several months. His absence deprives PSG of one of the season's best forwards. Kvaratskhelia, a former Napoli player, was regarded as a key element of the Parisian attack.

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Player reaction

In a long message posted Wednesday on his social media, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia expressed his dismay. « Many people asked me a lot of questions before the match and many told me that if all the footballers in the world prayed, it would end in a draw. Maybe that’s true, but before every match I ask God to let me leave the pitch in good health. In vain. It hasn’t been long, but it’s always in my head: why me, actually? »

He went on to recall that Kvara had never left anything to chance and that he had prepared more than for any other match. « I thought I was ready for anything, but no », he added, highlighting the harsh reality of his recovery.

Kvaratskhelia, a candidate for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, said he is ready to go through “those months of work, pain and tears.” He promised his supporters to come back stronger for “his people who always support him” and concluded: « I won’t let you down and I promise not to lose a second. Thank you for your support and see you soon. »

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His teammates Maghnes Akliouche, Warren Zaïre‑Emery and Illia Zabarnyi quickly responded by sending him their encouragement. The Georgian will have to show patience and resilience, perhaps hoping to return before the end of the season.