PARIS: Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League celebrations after beating Barcelona turned to dismay when the club confirmed on Wednesday that winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ​will require knee surgery, likely ending his season in a devastating blow ‌to the champions.

Kvaratskhelia twisted his right knee during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Barcelona and had to be helped off the pitch shortly before the hour mark, with the Georgian winger unable to bear weight ​on his leg.

The injury robs PSG of last season’s best player in the ​competition as they sit top of this year’s standings with a perfect ⁠record of three wins from three games as they seek a third straight ​title.

“Before every game I asked God to let me leave the pitch healthy. But it ​was in vain,” Kvaratskhelia wrote on Instagram.

“Not much time has passed, yet one thought keeps circling in my head: why me? I never held anything back. I think I prepared for this game better ​than I ever had before. I thought I was ready for everything – but not ​for this.

“I know I have to come back stronger for my people, who are always by my ‌side. ⁠I won’t let you down – I promise I won’t waste a single moment.”

ACL injuries typically require a recovery period of at least six months.

The 25-year-old scored 10 goals and provided six assists as PSG defended their European crown last season, with his form ​also earning him a ​spot on the shortlist ⁠for the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

Tuesday’s win came at a heavy cost for PSG with reigning Ballon d’Or ​winner Ousmane Dembele limping off in the 19th minute with a ​thigh injury, ⁠while defender Marquinhos also came off with a similar problem.

Dembele’s injury is another blow after the Frenchman began the season with four goals and six assists in all competitions.

PSG said both ⁠Dembele ​and Marquinhos will remain under treatment for the next ​few weeks.

Luis Enrique’s side are second in Ligue 1 and next play on Sunday against table toppers Olympique ​Lyonnais, who are ahead on goal difference.

####