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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury. (Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain star, and reported Arsenal transfer target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia looks set to miss the rest of the current season, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The winger was forced off the field in the second half of PSG's Champions League clash vs Barcelona.
The reigning champions continued their 100 per cent record in the competition so far thanks to a 4-2 home win. Desire Doue, Lucas Hernandez, Vitinha and Fabian Ruiz scored the goals for PSG, who sit at the top of the league after the first three games.
Despite the victory, Kvaratskhelia's injury will come as a big blow to the French giants. The 25-year-old twisted his knee just before the hour makr, before being treated by medical staff and then helped off the pitch without being able to put weight on his leg.
PSG revealed the full extent of the injury via their official website on Wednesday morning. "Having suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during yesterday's match against FC Barcelona, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is set to undergo surgery in the coming days," the statement read.
The Parisians endured further injury concerns when forward Ousmane Dembélé departed proceedings in the opening period, with club skipper Marquinhos also withdrawn. The club have since disclosed that both players are nursing thigh problems and will undergo rehabilitation throughout the 'coming weeks'.
Addressing his squad's fitness situation in his post-match briefing, PSG manager Luis Enrique remarked: "I am not the doctor. I am the coach.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suffered the injury in Tuesday night's clash vs Barcelona. (Image: Franco Arland, Getty Images)
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"The three injuries is the worst part of the game today. We will have to wait for the tests tomorrow.
"They are three very important players, so it's really bad news, of course, but that's football."
Arsenal will be watching the situation with interest, with the injury potentially helping them in their quest to lift the Champions League trophy. The Georgia international has been a standout performer for the PSG side who have secured back-to-back Champions League titles over the last two years.
He was the player who drew the foul that earned PSG's equalising spot-kick against the Gunners in last year's final in Budapest. He also found the net in the side's 5-0 triumph over Inter as they clinched their maiden Champions League crown in 2025.
This term, he has netted twice and registered one assist across 11 appearances in all competitions. The French champions must now attempt to defend their title in his absence.
Their next European fixture sees them make the trip to face Villarreal on Tuesday, 3 November (8pm kick-off). Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to draw level on points with PSG in the table as they take on Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off).