L'Équipe: Kvaratskhelia Suspected of ACL Rupture; Those Close to Him Describe the Situation as Bleak

October 21 – In the third round of the Champions League league phase, Paris Saint-Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 at the Parc des Princes, but the victory was overshadowed by an injury to star man Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. According to L'Équipe journalists Hugo Delom and Régis Dupont, the Georgian's injury is extremely concerning, with an initial diagnosis suspecting a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Around the 60th minute, a distressing scene unfolded. Kvaratskhelia was involved in a heavy collision with Barcelona player Espart. After the impact, he immediately fell to the ground in pain, clutching his knee with both hands, his body curled up in agony.

Footage showed that the star was completely unable to put weight on his foot as he left the pitch, requiring the support of the medical team to get off the grass.

Initial Diagnosis: The Situation Is Not Promising

Late Tuesday night, an atmosphere of tension hung over Paris Saint-Germain. Although the club was cautious when asked by the media, stating only that "it is difficult to make a prediction at this stage and we must wait for further tests," the news from those close to the player was far more pessimistic.

It is understood that the initial tests conducted by the club's medical staff immediately after the match yielded "very unfavourable" results. The medical team currently strongly suspects an ACL rupture. Kvaratskhelia is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan on Wednesday to definitively determine the extent of the damage.

For Paris Saint-Germain, this 4-2 victory should have been a highlight of the season, but Kvaratskhelia's injury could prove to be a turning point in the club's fortunes. If an ACL rupture is confirmed, the Georgian star faces months on the sidelines — not only ending his season prematurely, but also dealing a devastating blow to PSG's Champions League and league title ambitions.

At present, the mood within Kvaratskhelia's camp is extremely sombre. Everyone is anxiously awaiting Wednesday's MRI results, hoping for a miracle.

Source: L'Équipe