Kvaratskhelia to start for PSG in Champions league opener against Atalanta

By Canadian Press on September 17, 2025.

PARIS (AP) — Khvicha Kvaratskhelia recovered from a calf injury to start against Atalanta as Paris Saint-Germain began its Champions League title defense on Wednesday.

The Georgia winger picked up the injury Sunday during a 2-0 win over Lens in the French league and had been rated as doubtful for the game at the Parc des Princes.

Lee Kang-in, who was forced off the field against Lens, was named on the bench by coach Luis Enrique.

PSG was without injured forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué against Serie A team Atalanta, giving 19-year-old striker Senny Mayulu a rare start.

Brazil defender Lucas Beraldo was also sidelined after spraining his left ankle against Lens.

PSG triumphed in the Champions League final in May, 5-0 over Inter Milan, with Mayulu scoring the last goal.

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The Associated Press