Kvaratskhelia Injury Fears Threaten PSG As Enrique Defends Play-off Chances

Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United left Luis Enrique facing a Champions League play-offs route again and a fresh concern over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s ankle, turning what could have been straightforward qualification into a complicated scenario on and off the pitch.

The result means PSG miss out on a direct quarter-final path, instead entering the knockout play-offs, where they will meet Qarabag FK or Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco in February, adding two more high-pressure fixtures to an already demanding European and domestic calendar.

As with last season, when PSG beat Brest 10-0 on aggregate in the play-offs before lifting the Champions League for the first time, the club again face an extra round, though this time the draw offers

a choice between a familiar French opponent or Qarabag.

The draw scenario is clear, with scheduling already outlined by the club’s communication:

We'll face Qarabag FK or AS Monaco in the Champions League KO play-offs. First leg away (17-18 February) Second leg at home (25-25 February) pic.twitter.com/uQMogpN13cParis Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) January 28, 2026

PSG could have avoided this extra hurdle with a win at Parc des Princes, and the evening started well when Ousmane Dembele won an early penalty, yet the spot-kick was saved before Vitinha struck in the eighth minute from a move created by Kvaratskhelia.

Newcastle responded after weathering that fast opening, gradually gaining control following Kvaratskhelia’s withdrawal and eventually levelling through Joe Willock, ensuring PSG ended the group phase on a three-match winless streak in Europe and slipped out of the Champions League top eight places.

PSG Champions League play-offs outlook and Luis Enrique reaction

Kvaratskhelia’s injury came when the winger tangled awkwardly with Anthony Elanga while committing a foul, twisting an ankle that required assistance from medical staff, and PSG’s rhythm noticeably dipped once the Georgia international, who had already provided an assist, left the pitch.

The setback arrives just as PSG seemed close to a near-complete squad, with Fabian Ruiz the only significant absentee at kick-off, leaving Luis Enrique to manage another fitness issue. After the match, the coach underlined the concern, saying: "We've lost another important player to injury; we'll have to see the tests on Thursday. It's his ankle, and it's complicated. "

Earlier play-off success appeared to shape Luis Enrique’s measured response to the outcome, as the coach avoided criticising his players harshly, instead referencing the level of competition, recent scheduling and the requirement to stay calm before the draw that will pair PSG with Monaco or Qarabag.

Newcastle extended an unusual record in the process, becoming the only club to have faced PSG at least three times in the Champions League without losing, something Luis Enrique said underlined their strength. "Newcastle is a Pot Fourteam. are they a small team?"

Addressing PSG’s form and next steps, Luis Enrique added: "We could have had better results, but we're here, we're ready, and we'll see who we play against. I'm very demanding of my team, but we have to analyse and look at our schedule. What's positive for me is that when you consistently play against top teams, you're ready for the upcoming matches. "

PSG now await medical news on Kvaratskhelia and the play-off draw outcome, balancing concern over the winger’s ankle with confidence drawn from last season’s route, as the club prepare for another February tie that will again shape their Champions League defence and wider campaign.