PSG Suffer Third Injury Blow as Kvaratskhelia Is Carried Off Against Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League clash with Barcelona took a worrying turn on Tuesday night when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was forced off with a suspected right-foot injury. The Georgian winger went down in the 57th minute after a strong challenge for the ball and was unable to continue, adding to a growing list of injury concerns for both sides.
There was particular concern over the way Kvaratskhelia left the pitch. He appeared unable to put weight on his right foot, and medical staff helped carry him from the field. PSG coach Luis Enrique replaced him with Senny Mayulu, but the substitution offered little reassurance about the winger’s condition.
Medical tests will determine the extent of the injury
The initial scenes raised fears of a significant injury, although no diagnosis or recovery timeline was immediately available. Kvaratskhelia is expected to undergo medical examinations in the coming hours, with scans likely to provide a clearer picture of the damage and how long he might be unavailable.
Until those results are known, any assessment remains uncertain. A foot injury can range from a painful impact or sprain to a more serious problem that requires an extended period of rehabilitation. PSG will be hoping the early signs prove less severe than they appeared on the pitch.
The timing is especially sensitive for the French champions. Kvaratskhelia is an important attacking option, valued for his dribbling, creativity and ability to threaten defenders one-on-one. His availability could influence PSG’s approach in upcoming domestic and European fixtures, though the club is unlikely to take risks before understanding the full extent of the injury.
Marquinhos also forced off in the same minute
Kvaratskhelia was not the only PSG player to leave the match with an injury concern. Captain Marquinhos also came off in the 57th minute, with Illya Zabarnyi sent on to replace him. The Brazilian defender’s problem added another complication for Enrique, who had already been forced to make a change in attack.
Two substitutions in the same minute can disrupt a team’s rhythm, particularly in a high-stakes Champions League contest. Marquinhos’s role extends beyond his defending: he organises the back line, communicates with teammates and provides leadership under pressure. PSG will therefore be keen to learn whether his withdrawal was a precaution or the result of an injury that could affect his next appearances.
Earlier injuries affected both teams
The incidents involving Kvaratskhelia and Marquinhos followed first-half setbacks for Ousmane Dembélé and Dani Olmo. Both players limped off before the interval, leaving PSG and Barcelona to adjust their plans earlier than expected.
That sequence made the match an unusually demanding night for the medical teams. Four players—two from each club—were forced to leave the field with apparent physical problems. Each is expected to undergo medical tests, after which their clubs can provide a more reliable update on the injuries and possible recovery periods.
For supporters, the uncertainty is likely to continue until those assessments are completed. A player limping from the pitch does not automatically mean a long absence, but the inability to continue and the need for medical assistance are reasons for caution. The coming reports will be important in separating immediate concern from a confirmed diagnosis.
What the injuries could mean for PSG’s next fixtures
PSG’s schedule leaves little room for complacency. The club is due to return to Ligue 1 action against Lyon on October 26, while the Champions League campaign also requires careful management of the squad. The extent of the injuries will help determine whether Enrique can call on his regular starters or needs to rotate and rely on younger players.
Mayulu’s introduction against Barcelona showed one possible alternative in attack, while Zabarnyi’s appearance provided cover in defence. Their roles may become more significant if Kvaratskhelia or Marquinhos are ruled out for upcoming matches. However, replacements bring different strengths, and a coach may need to adjust the team’s shape or responsibilities rather than simply make like-for-like changes.
Barcelona face a similar wait over Dembélé and Olmo. Their availability could affect the Spanish side’s attacking options and midfield balance in the days ahead. With injuries on both sides, the match may have consequences beyond the result, particularly if any of the players require a longer recovery period.
Prediction: PSG are likely to take a cautious approach
Any prediction about the players’ return dates would be premature before the medical results are released. Still, PSG are likely to prioritise accurate diagnosis and recovery over rushing key figures back for the next fixture. If the tests reveal only minor issues, some players could return quickly; more serious findings would force Enrique to plan around absences and give other squad members additional responsibility.
For now, the main story is the scale of the injury concerns rather than a confirmed long-term setback. Kvaratskhelia’s inability to bear weight will be the detail PSG supporters follow most closely, while Marquinhos’s condition is equally important to the club’s defensive plans. Updates on Dembélé and Olmo will also shape the conversation around Barcelona’s squad.
The coming medical assessments should provide clarity for all four players. Until then, fans can expect uncertainty, careful language from both clubs and close attention to official updates. In a football season where fixture demands are intense, the difference between a short-term knock and a serious injury can have a major impact on team selection, tactics and results.
