Winger’s season confirmed over because he needs knee surgery

Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League celebrations after beating Barcelona turned to dismay when the club confirmed on Wednesday that winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will require knee surgery, likely ending his season in a devastating blow to the champions.

Kvaratskhelia twisted his right knee during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona and had to be helped off the pitch shortly before the hour mark, with the Georgian winger unable to bear weight on his leg.

The injury robs PSG of last season’s best player in the competition as they sit top of this year’s standings with a perfect record of three wins from three games as they seek a third straight title.

“Before every game I asked God to let me leave the pitch healthy. But it was in vain,” Kvaratskhelia wrote on Instagram.

“Not much time has passed, yet one thought keeps circling in my head: why me? I never held anything back. I think I prepared for this game better than I ever had before. I thought I was ready for everything — but not for this.

“I know I have to come back stronger for my people, who are always by my side. I won’t let you down — I promise I won’t waste a single moment.”

The knee injury suffered by Kvaratskhelia typically requires a recovery period of at least six months.

Tuesday’s win came at a high cost for PSG, with reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele limping off in the 19th minute with a thigh injury, while defender Marquinhos also came off with a similar problem.

Meanwhile, Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo will be sidelined for around four weeks after sustaining a left adductor injury during the match. — Reuters