PSG Overcomes Barcelona 4-2 as Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia Exit with Injuries

Paris Saint-Germain defeated Barcelona 4-2 in the Champions League, though Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were among three PSG players forced off by injury.

Paris Saint-Germain secured a 4-2 victory against Barcelona in the Champions League behind late goals from Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz, who both scored within the final 10 minutes of play. The French side twice took the lead only for Barcelona to equalize on both occasions before the late surge. The result marked the first loss of the season in all competitions for Hansi Flick’s squad.

Ousmane Dembélé clutched his left thigh and was forced to leave the match in the 19th minute, with Ferran Torres entering as his replacement. The reigning Ballon d'Or winner appeared to suffer a muscular injury following a run down the left flank. Barcelona also faced an early setback when Dani Olmo was substituted in the 27th minute for Fermín López due to apparent physical discomfort.

Parisian injury concerns mounted in the second half following a collision between Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Xavi Espart. Kvaratskhelia hurt his right foot and required assistance from two medical staff members to leave the pitch, as he was unable to walk. Maghnes Akliouche replaced him. During the same sequence, PSG midfielder Marquinhos also sustained an injury and was withdrawn, though the Brazil international was able to walk off under his own power.

Luis Enrique confirmed that all three players will undergo medical tests on Monday to determine the severity of their conditions. The injuries occur ahead of PSG’s Ligue 1 fixture against Lyon scheduled for Sunday. According to Mark Ogden of ESPN, Dembélé had previously seen his minutes limited this season in an effort to avoid fitness setbacks.