Kvaratskhelia's ligament has torn, PSG star to undergo surgery

Paris Saint Germain announced that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has torn his anterior cruciate ligament and will undergo surgery in the coming days. The Georgian star landed awkwardly on his right leg after a challenge from Xavi Espart in the 59th minute of Tuesday's 4-2 win over Barcelona at the Parc des Princes, and was carried off the pitch.

No timetable for his return has been announced yet. Absences from this type of injury usually last at least nine months. It is unclear whether Kvaratskhelia will play again this season. He played an important role in PSG's two consecutive Champions League titles, was named the best player of the tournament in the second one, and was a Ballon d'Or candidate.

The club also said that Ousmane Dembele and Marquinhos, who were injured in the match, will be out for several weeks.

PSG made major changes to the attacking line in the summer. The club raised more than 350 million dollars from the sales of players including Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani and Bradley Barcola. Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts arrived in their place for around 50 million dollars. Akliouche, with 2 goals and 1 assist in 11 matches, looks the strongest candidate for playing time. Torres has scored 7 goals. Godts got his only start of the season this month against Le Mans.

Luis Enrique's main problem will be rotation. The manager had been resting key players in Ligue 1 matches so they would be fresh for the Champions League games at the end of the season. Kvaratskhelia's absence and the need to manage Dembele carefully make this plan harder.