Ligue 13 hours ago2 minute read

Luis Enrique Backs Khvicha Kvaratskhelia After Season Ending Knee Injury

PSG winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury as Paris Saint-Germain prepare for Lyon.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Heavy blow for Les Parisiens

Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will miss the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The 25 years old player picked up the injury during PSG's 4-2 victory against Barcelona.

The winger has been an important member of the squad over recent seasons, helping the club secure back to back Champions League trophies. Manager Luis Enrique confirmed that the team suspected the serious nature of the damage right after the final whistle.

Enrique noted that injuries are part of a professional footballer's career if they wish to compete at the top level for 10 to 15 years. He described Kvaratskhelia as a fighter and insisted the player will come back stronger. The manager also pointed out that PSG will not automatically sign a new player, as he believes the current squad can manage injuries.

Chasing top spot against Lyon

PSG face Lyon at the Parc des Princes on Monday night as they search for their fifth straight win in the league. The fixture was moved to Monday because of protests in Paris and an NFL game taking place in the city.

The match offers PSG a chance to move to the top of the Ligue 1 table. Just three or four weeks ago, the team sat well behind the leaders, but a strong run has brought them back into contention.

Motivation will be high for the hosts, who lost 2-1 against Paulo Fonseca's Olympique Lyonnais at home back in April. Enrique admitted that result gives his side extra drive to perform well.

PSG will have to cope without more key figures, as Dembélé and Marquinhos are also sidelined for weeks. Meanwhile, football stars including Cristiano Ronaldo have sent messages of support to Kvaratskhelia following his injury.

What it means for the next game

Paris Saint-Germain vs Lyon (Ligue 1, Mon, 26 Oct): Paris Saint-Germain win 64%, draw 20%, Lyon win 16%; expected goals 2.30 to 1.09. Our safest pick: Over 1.5 goals.

Le Havre AC vs Paris Saint-Germain (Ligue 1, Fri, 30 Oct): Le Havre AC win 11%, draw 16%, Paris Saint-Germain win 73%; expected goals 0.99 to 2.68. Our safest pick: Over 2.5 goals.