PSG Beat Barcelona 4-2 But Lose Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for Six Months

A famous win that came at a heavy cost

Paris Saint-Germain beat Barcelona 4-2 on Tuesday, but the reigning European champions lost the best player in last season's tournament, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, to an injury expected to keep him out for six months.

The Georgian's absence is a major blow at a time when much lobbying has taken place this autumn for the Ballon d'Or, a race in which he has been a popular choice despite missing the World Cup. His reaction to the setback was raw and brief: “Why me?” Kvaratskhelia asked his Instagram followers.

PSG's policy of resting players in Ligue 1 to preserve them for the Champions League failed to protect him, adding a sense of cruel irony to an otherwise impressive result against the Spanish giants.

Rodri's slow road back

There is mitigation for clubs and players dealing with the aftermath of serious injury. Rodri's comeback shows it can take far longer than a set recovery period for a player to rediscover his highest level. He was rested by Barcelona until coming off the bench in the 60th minute on Tuesday, a managed introduction that reflects the wider practice among major clubs of saving their stars' legs for the biggest occasions.

Yamal keeps delivering

Barcelona have little intention of sparing Lamine Yamal ahead of this weekend's Clásico against Real Madrid. His brilliant goal in Paris made it 10 goals, matched by 10 assists, from 10 matches – a remarkable output for a player still at the start of his career.