Luis Enrique has expressed his immense relief and satisfaction regarding Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s recovery process. After a major scare in late January, the PSG manager confirmed that the Georgian star is once again central to his tactical plans as the club enters the most decisive stretch of the season.
Kvaratskhelia made his highly anticipated return to the matchday squad for last Sunday’s “Le Classique”, where PSG dominated Marseille in a historic 5-0 victory.
The “Careful” Recovery
- The Injury: Kvara suffered a sprained right ankle during the Champions League Matchday 8 clash against Newcastle United on January 28.
- The Medical Approach: Despite initial fears of a “complicated” long-term injury, PSG’s medical staff opted for a conservative 10-day rehabilitation program. Luis Enrique reportedly insisted on “zero risks” to ensure the winger would be at 100% for the upcoming European knockouts.
- The Result: After missing only the trip to Strasbourg, Kvaratskhelia returned to full training last week, looking “sharp and physically dominant.”
A Crucial Second Half
With PSG having missed out on a direct top-eight Champions League finish, they now face a high-stakes Play-off Round (likely against Monaco or Qarabag). Luis Enrique emphasized that Kvara’s presence is non-negotiable for these fixtures:
“I’m very happy with Khvicha and his recovery. He’s a key player for us. We wanted to take care of his return carefully because he will be crucial for the second half of the season—key to competing for the main titles again.” — Luis Enrique
The Stats That Matter
Before his brief layoff, the 24-year-old had already proven his worth in Paris:
- 27 Appearances in all competitions.
- 7 Goals and 6 Assists.
- Primary Threat: Under Enrique, Kvara has evolved into more than just a 1v1 dribbler, often rotating centrally to combine with Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola.
With Fabian Ruiz still sidelined, the return of “Kvaradona” provides PSG with the creative spark needed to maintain their slim lead at the top of Ligue 1 while navigating the “extra” European hurdle.
