Ligue 1 Daily Report - 2026-10-21: PSG confirm Kvaratskhelia ACL surgery after Barcelona win

Paris Saint-Germain confirmed on Wednesday that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Tuesday’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona. The Georgian winger is set to undergo surgery in the coming days, while Ousmane Dembélé and captain Marquinhos both suffered thigh injuries that are expected to keep them out for several weeks. Kvaratskhelia was injured after landing awkwardly following a collision with Barcelona’s Xavi Espart and left the pitch shortly before the hour mark. Dembélé had already departed in the 19th minute, with PSG’s impressive result overshadowed by three significant injuries.

PSG coach Luis Enrique described the injuries as the worst part of the match, with the club now facing a major selection challenge across domestic and European competition. Kvaratskhelia’s absence is particularly serious because he has been central to the reigning European champions’ attacking threat, and the severity of an ACL injury raises the prospect of him missing most or all of the campaign. Dembélé’s and Marquinhos’s recoveries will also be monitored closely as PSG protect their squad during a demanding schedule. Despite the setbacks, PSG remain perfect in this season’s Champions League after three victories, giving them a strong platform to manage the disruption.

Barcelona reportedly reported Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA over a controversial supporters’ banner displayed before Tuesday’s 4-2 Champions League match in Paris. The giant tifo showed a masked figure using a chainsaw to cut through Barcelona’s badge and carried the words “Massacre, Parisian style”. PSG supporters also used pyrotechnics to create the impression of sparks around the display before kick-off. Barcelona are understood to have considered the imagery offensive and lodged a complaint after the pre-match ceremony at the Parc des Princes. The incident came before PSG twice recovered their lead and eventually secured a third consecutive victory in the competition.

The reported complaint adds a disciplinary issue to an evening already marked by PSG’s emphatic result and the injuries to Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé and Marquinhos. UEFA could assess the banner and pyrotechnics under its rules governing supporter conduct, although the reports describe the complaint rather than any ruling or sanction. PSG’s supporters had sought to create a hostile atmosphere for a meeting between two European heavyweights, but the imagery is now likely to attract scrutiny away from the football itself. Barcelona’s defeat ended their unbeaten start to the campaign, while PSG strengthened their position at the top end of the Champions League league phase.

Leeds United and Everton have reportedly advanced their interest in Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, according to a transfer report cited by Sports Mole on Wednesday. The 26-year-old has attracted attention after a strong start to the Ligue 1 campaign, including a hat-trick of penalties in Rennes’ 4-3 defeat by Paris FC. The report said six Premier League clubs had been monitoring Lepaul earlier this month, with Leeds and Everton now pushing ahead in the competition for his signature. Neither English club has been reported as having completed an agreement, leaving the Rennes forward’s future unresolved as the season continues.

Lepaul’s early-season scoring form has made him a notable name in the Premier League recruitment market, while Rennes face the prospect of growing interest in one of their attacking players. Leeds had lost only once in their opening seven top-flight matches at the time of the report, whereas Everton’s campaign had also begun positively despite a weekend defeat by Chelsea. Any move would depend on negotiations with Rennes and the player’s assessment of the competing proposals. For now, the story represents reported interest rather than a confirmed bid, but it places the Ligue 1 club in a position to face increased pressure during the transfer discussions.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Strasbourg forward Gessime Yassine ahead of a possible move in summer 2027, according to a report discussed by The Pride of London on Wednesday. The 20-year-old Moroccan has emerged as one of French football’s promising attacking prospects after making an impression at Strasbourg, attracting attention from Nottingham Forest, Brentford and Newcastle. Manchester United and Tottenham were also said to be monitoring the player, while Chelsea were reportedly well placed through BlueCo’s connection with Strasbourg. The proposed pathway would resemble the arrangements used for Emmanuel Emegha and Valentin Barco, with the player’s development remaining central to the planning.

The report presents Chelsea’s interest as part of a wider recruitment strategy focused on young talent rather than an immediate first-team signing. Yassine’s ability to operate in attacking positions has helped generate competition for his services, and Strasbourg’s links within the BlueCo network could give Chelsea an advantage in any future discussions. However, the move remains a reported possibility for next summer, with no completed transfer or formal agreement cited. For Strasbourg, continued progress from the forward would increase both his value and the attention surrounding the club’s emerging players in Ligue 1.