Paris (France) (AFP) - The efforts of French champion Paris Saint-Germain to win the European Champions League for the third time in a row appear threatened, in light of the injuries that have affected a number of its key players and raised doubts about the ability of its squad to wage a new campaign towards continental glory.

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 14:55

Despite the positive results achieved by the Parisian team, it is affected by a number of injuries to key players.

The club announced last Tuesday that Georgian striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia underwent a successful surgery to treat a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, which could keep him out of action until the end of the season.

The former Italian Napoli player is the latest to join the list of injuries that includes Ousmane Dembele, the best player in the world for the year 2025, who will be absent for several weeks after being injured in the 4-2 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League.

Injury problems are not limited to the front line, as the center back and team captain, Brazilian Marquinhos and Portuguese left back Nuno Mendes, are also absent.

Aside from injuries, Saint-Germain abandoned a group of players who played an important role in its path to winning two Champions League titles.

The French capital club took a somewhat risk when it sold Bradley Barkula to Liverpool last August in a huge deal worth 145 million euros ($162 million).

Portuguese Gonçalo Ramos, South Korean Lee Kang-in, and Senegalese Ibrahim Mbaye were also allowed to leave, despite their impressive offensive contributions over the past two seasons.

However, Spanish coach Luis Enrique described the club's summer transfer market as "exceptional," saying, "I am very happy to start the season with the number of players we have."

Saint-Germain signed French international Magnes Achilles, who can play on the wing or in the middle, coming from Monaco, as well as Spanish Ferran Torres, who scored the winning goal for his country in the World Cup final, coming from Barcelona for about 50 million euros ($56 million) each.

The Belgian international winger Mika Godets was also included from the Dutch club Ajax for about 55 million euros ($61.6 million).

Torres scored seven goals in his first six matches with the team, but failed to score in the last six matches, while Godets started his season slowly before scoring in two consecutive matches recently.

"The best right back in the world"

But Kvaratskhelia may be the biggest blow for Saint-Germain. The Georgian was one of the most prominent players in the knockout stages in the last edition of the Champions League, after scoring seven goals and providing four assists in eight matches, reaching the final against Arsenal.

Coach Luis Enrique's team started the league stage this season with three victories in three matches, and is in a good position to reach the playoffs. However, the club's management may find itself faced with the need to consider contracting with a replacement for Kvaratskhelia during the winter transfer market in January.

When Enrique was asked if the club needed to sign a new player, he replied, "Not necessarily. No injury means we have to sign a new player. Never."

He added, "I said at the beginning of the season that our team is capable of continuing in the same form even with two or three injuries. However, we are always open to the possibility of including new players, but not only because of injuries."

In light of the injuries on the front line, a player stands out from the defensive line who is always able to contribute offensively, and he is the Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi, who scored a hat-trick in the 5-1 victory over Le Havre on Friday.

“He is more of an attacking player,” Enrique said, adding, “He plays in advanced positions and has the ability to make goals.”

The Spaniard continued, "He is the best right-back in the world. What I like about him is that he always maintains the highest level and is constantly ready. This is very important."

In that match, Paris Saint-Germain achieved its ninth consecutive victory, even though its starting lineup included only two players who participated in the Champions League final last season.

In light of the limited local competition in France, Saint-Germain's ability to rest its stars in the league and continue to achieve victories may constitute a helpful factor for it on the European level.

Enrique stressed, "We will need everyone if we want to win titles, and injuries will give opportunities to other players."

© 2026 AFP

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