PSG fear Kvaratskhelia’s knee injury could end season after Barcelona win

Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona has been overshadowed by confirmation that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will undergo knee surgery, with the injury likely to rule the winger out for the rest of the season.

The Georgia international twisted his right knee during Tuesday’s match and was helped from the pitch shortly before the hour mark. He was unable to put weight on the leg as he left the field.

Kvaratskhelia’s injury is a major setback for the defending champions, who have won all three of their matches in this season’s competition and sit top of the standings as they pursue a third successive title.

He was PSG’s outstanding player in last season’s Champions League campaign.

“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.”

A knee injury of this type typically carries a recovery period of at least six months, making a return this season unlikely.

PSG suffer further injury setbacks

Kvaratskhelia was not the only player to suffer an injury during a costly win for Paris Saint-Germain.

Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, was forced off after 19 minutes with a thigh problem. Defender Marquinhos also left the match with a similar injury.

Barcelona will also be without Dani Olmo for around four weeks after the midfielder sustained a left adductor injury during the game.