Kvaratskhelia ACL rupture ends PSG star's season ahead of Ballon d'Or

Key points

• Kvaratskhelia ruptured his right ACL during PSG's 4-2 win over Barcelona and will have surgery soon.
• PSG confirmed the injury but did not provide a specific return-to-play date.
• The injury ends Kvaratskhelia's season and removes him from the Ballon d'Or race.
• PSG also lost Dembélé and Marquinhos to thigh injuries in the same match.
• Nuno Mendes is already out due to an injury sustained in a Ligue 1 match against Strasbourg.

Background

PSG has been dominant in the Champions League this season, defeating Manchester City and Barcelona 4-2 in consecutive matches. The club is top of the 36-team league phase table with three wins from three. Kvaratskhelia, who joined from Napoli in January 2025 for £59m plus add-ons, was named the Champions League's best player last season and helped PSG win back-to-back titles. His absence significantly weakens PSG's attacking options as they pursue a third straight European crown.

How outlets are covering it

BBC Sport and Sky Sports focus on the severity of Kvaratskhelia's injury and its impact on PSG's European ambitions, noting that his season is effectively over. The Guardian provides additional context on the match, highlighting that Kvaratskhelia was in severe pain and unable to put weight on his leg. All three outlets agree that the injury is a major setback for PSG. The Guardian also notes that Barcelona has filed a complaint with UEFA over a provocative banner displayed by PSG fans during the match, a detail not mentioned by the other sources. Sky Sports' Laura Hunter emphasizes that while the injury is a significant blow, PSG has other talented players like Désiré Doué and Maghnes Akliouche who can step up.

Why it matters

Kvaratskhelia's injury is a major blow for PSG's Champions League title defense and his own Ballon d'Or campaign. The loss of three key players in one match highlights the physical toll of the season and raises questions about PSG's depth and resilience as they chase a historic third consecutive European title.

What to watch

PSG will monitor Kvaratskhelia's recovery post-surgery, with no return date specified. The club must manage the absence of Dembélé and Marquinhos, who are expected to be out for a few weeks. PSG will continue their Champions League campaign, including a match against Aston Villa on December 8, without Kvaratskhelia. The Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday will proceed without Kvaratskhelia as a contender.