PSG Face Villarreal Test as Major Injuries Threaten Champions League Title Defence

Posted : 02 November 2026

Paris Saint-Germain face a significant challenge as they travel to Spain to meet Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday, with injuries to several important players threatening to disrupt their pursuit of a third successive European title.

The French champions have made an impressive start to their campaign, winning their opening three league-phase matches, including an entertaining 4-2 victory over Barcelona. However, their success against the Spanish side came at a considerable cost, with several first-team players picking up injuries.

The most serious setback involves Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Barcelona encounter. The 25-year-old has undergone surgery and is expected to miss the remainder of the season, leaving Luis Enrique without one of his most influential attacking players.

The situation is further complicated by injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and captain Marquinhos, who are both recovering from thigh problems. Left-back Nuno Mendes is also unavailable, meaning PSG will be without four important players for the trip to Villarreal.

Kvaratskhelia's absence is particularly significant given his importance to PSG's attacking approach. His dribbling, creativity and ability to create opportunities in one-on-one situations have made him a central figure in the team's European success.

Despite the growing injury list, Luis Enrique has resisted suggestions that the club must immediately enter the transfer market to find replacements. The Spanish coach has maintained that his squad has sufficient depth to deal with setbacks and insisted that new signings would only be considered if they made sense for the club's long-term plans.

PSG strengthened their attacking options during the summer, bringing in players including Maghnes Akliouche, Mika Godts and Ferran Torres. These additions could now receive greater responsibility as the team attempts to cope without some of its established stars.

Achraf Hakimi could also play an important role in providing attacking contributions from the right side. The Moroccan defender has demonstrated his ability to influence matches in advanced positions, earning praise from his manager for his consistency and offensive qualities.

Enrique has also emphasised the importance of the entire squad during a demanding campaign, suggesting that the current injury situation will create opportunities for other players to establish themselves.

Despite their problems, PSG have continued to produce positive results domestically. Their recent victory over Le Havre extended their winning run to nine matches across all competitions, demonstrating that the team can remain competitive even without several regular starters.

The challenge now is to maintain that momentum in Europe. Villarreal will provide another demanding test, but PSG remain determined to continue their impressive Champions League campaign and strengthen their pursuit of another continental crown.

PSG Face Villarreal Test as Major Injuries Threaten Champions League Title Defence

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