Paris Saint-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has expressed his heartbreak after suffering a serious knee injury during his side’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona, admitting he was unprepared for the setback despite his extensive preparations for the match.
The Georgian international is set to undergo surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during Tuesday’s encounter at the Parc des Princes, dealing a significant blow to the French champions’ attacking options.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Kvaratskhelia questioned why the injury had happened to him, revealing how difficult it was to accept the sudden interruption to his season.
“Before every game I asked God to let me leave the pitch healthy. But it was in vain,” he wrote, according to Reuters.
“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.”
The 25-year-old sustained the injury shortly before the hour mark while tracking back to challenge Barcelona defender Xavi Espart. He landed awkwardly on his right leg and was unable to continue, requiring assistance from medical staff as he left the pitch.
PSG confirmed on Wednesday that the winger would undergo surgery in the coming days. The club did not specify a return date, although the severity of an ACL rupture typically means an extended period of rehabilitation.
Kvaratskhelia also promised to work towards a strong comeback, thanking supporters for standing by him during the difficult moment.
“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,” he added.
The injury comes at a particularly difficult time for PSG, who secured an impressive victory over Barcelona but suffered multiple setbacks during the match.
Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé was forced off in the first half with a left thigh injury, while captain Marquinhos also sustained a right thigh injury after the break. PSG confirmed that both players would remain under treatment for several weeks.
The simultaneous absences present a challenge for manager Luis Enrique as his side prepares for a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures.
Kvaratskhelia has been an influential figure in PSG’s recent European success. He scored 10 goals and provided six assists during the previous Champions League campaign, helping the club defend its continental crown and earning recognition among the leading players in European football.
His absence is therefore a major concern as PSG pursue another successful title defence. The club has won its opening three matches in this season’s Champions League league phase, but losing three important players in one game could complicate its preparations for upcoming fixtures.
Despite the disappointment, Kvaratskhelia’s determination to return offers encouragement to supporters. His immediate priority will be surgery and rehabilitation, with the timing of his comeback dependent on his recovery and subsequent medical assessments.
For PSG, the challenge is now twofold: maintaining their momentum after an important victory over Barcelona while managing the loss of key players who have contributed significantly to the team’s success.
