PSG confirm successful knee surgery for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Paris St-Germain forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has successfully undergone surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, with the Georgian international now beginning his rehabilitation.

The French club confirmed on Tuesday, 27 October, that the operation took place at Aspetar Hospital in Doha, Qatar.

However, PSG have not provided a timescale for his return, leaving his availability for the remainder of the 2026-27 season uncertain.

The injury is a significant setback for the European champions, who must now consider how to manage the winger's absence while exploring possible reinforcements for the January transfer window.

“Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has successfully undergone surgery for a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at ASPETAR Hospital in Doha, Qatar. He will now begin his rehabilitation,” the Parisian club said in a statement.

Kvaratskhelia sustained the injury on 20 October during PSG's 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona. Following the diagnosis, surgery in Qatar was arranged, and the successful procedure marks the beginning of the recovery phase.

Although the operation has been completed, there is no confirmed date for the forward's return to competitive football. His recovery will need to progress before any assessment can be made about when he might be available again.

Kvaratskhelia's absence comes after an impressive year in which he established himself as one of PSG's leading attacking players.

The Georgian finished sixth in the 2026 Ballon d'Or standings, making him the highest-ranked player from the Paris club in the voting. He finished ahead of team-mates Ousmane Dembélé, who placed seventh, and Fabián Ruiz, who was ranked 10th.

The forward was not present at Monday evening's Ballon d'Or ceremony in London as he continued to deal with his injury.

His position in the rankings underlines the importance of the player PSG head coach Luis Enrique must now replace in his attacking system. The club faces the challenge of redistributing his responsibilities while maintaining its attacking strength during his rehabilitation.

With no confirmed return date, PSG must also consider how to avoid placing excessive demands on the players available to cover his position over the coming months.

One option reportedly being considered by PSG is Moroccan winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, who plays for Real Betis.

According to Sport, the Paris club is examining the possibility of bringing in the winger, while Foot Mercato has reported that PSG are considering adding a left-sided attacker during the January transfer window.

No agreement has been announced, and the reports indicate that the club is exploring potential solutions rather than confirming a transfer.

A new signing could provide additional depth in attack while Kvaratskhelia works towards his return, although the club has yet to announce any completed deal.

PSG also have players within their existing squad who could help cover the Georgian's absence.

Désiré Doué and Mika Godts are among the options available to Luis Enrique as he considers how best to distribute playing time and responsibilities across his attacking line-up.

The immediate challenge is to maintain the team's effectiveness without placing too much pressure on a small number of players during what could be an extended period without Kvaratskhelia.