Vitinha, Kvara add to PSG injury crisis pre-Barça
Paris Saint-Germain recorded a 2-0 Ligue 1 victory over Auxerre on Saturday but suffered new injury setbacks to key players Vitinha and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ahead of their Champions League group stage match against Barcelona on Wednesday.
Midfielder Vitinha was substituted late in the first half shortly after assisting the opener, while Georgian winger Kvaratskhelia was taken off at halftime due to a thigh muscle injury. Both absences add to Paris Saint-Germain’s mounting injury list, which already includes captain Marquinhos, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé, striker Désiré Doué, and midfielder João Neves.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique declined to provide specifics on the injuries, stating, “We need to wait for the medical staff to tell us tomorrow or the day after what kind of injuries they have. We have to stay positive because we need to be able to manage this situation.” He also acknowledged the challenges posed by a congested schedule affecting squads across Europe.
The win against Auxerre was secured with goals from central defenders Illia Zabarnyi and Lucas Beraldo, underscoring PSG’s depth in defence amid their current problems up front. Zabarnyi’s goal, a well-timed close-range finish from a Vitinha cross, was his first for the club since arriving this summer from Premier League side Bournemouth.
With this victory, PSG move to 15 points from six league games, maintaining a narrow margin over Marseille, Monaco, Lyon, and Strasbourg, all on 12 points but separated by goal difference. Lyon, in particular, can equal PSG’s points tally with a win against Lille on Sunday.
This injury crisis poses a significant challenge for Luis Enrique’s tactical plans, particularly as PSG prepare to face a dangerous Barcelona side in the Champions League. The availability of Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia, both vital in midfield creativity and wing play respectively, will be crucial for PSG’s ambitions in Europe this season, highlighting the importance of squad depth for the defending French champions.