“PSG loses three players to serious injuries after epic victory.”

The Paris Saint-Germain suffered significant losses following their thrilling victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia sustaining a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, and Ousmane Dembélé and captain Marquinhos both suffering muscle injuries to their thighs. This situation leaves Luis Enrique’s squad in a difficult position, especially considering the importance of these players to the team.

PSG announced on Wednesday that Kvaratskhelia will undergo surgery in the coming days, while Dembélé, with a left thigh muscle injury, and Marquinhos, with a right thigh injury, will face several weeks out of competition. The match, held at the Parc des Princes, saw PSG secure a 4-2 victory, but the cost was high, with injuries that could jeopardize the remainder of the season.

Dembélé, the Ballon d’Or winner, had an early exit from the match, feeling pain in the back of his left thigh after an intense sprint in the 19th minute. Kvaratskhelia, meanwhile, fell awkwardly while attempting to tackle Xavi Espart at the start of the second half, showing extreme pain as he held his knee.

The Georgian player expressed his determination through social media, stating: “I prepared for this game in the best way I ever have. I thought I was ready for everything. I am ready to go through these months of work, pain, and tears. I know I have to come back stronger for my people who always support me; I will not disappoint them.”

Marquinhos, a defensive pillar with over 500 appearances for PSG since 2013, was also forced to leave the field due to injury, sitting down and massaging the back of his thigh. PSG coach Luis Enrique had already used Dembélé sparingly in the previous season and, at the start of this campaign, he has rested him on two occasions in Ligue 1.

Dembélé’s injury is particularly concerning, as he struggled with muscle problems throughout last season, and his absence could be a significant blow to PSG’s ambitions. In the 2024-25 season, Dembélé managed to play 50 matches, an unprecedented feat in his career, but now he faces yet another challenge in his return.

With PSG preparing to host Lyon in the next round of Ligue 1, the team is tied on points at the top of the table. The absence of Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé, and Marquinhos could have a significant impact on the team’s performance, especially in such a crucial match. The pressure is on the available players to maintain a high level and continue the fight for the title.