PSG Injury Crisis Update: The Road to Recovery for Luis Enrique’s Stars

 As we approach the final stretch of 2025, Paris Saint-Germain finds itself at a critical crossroads. While the club remains a dominant force in Ligue 1 and a perennial contender on the European stage, the medical bay at the Campus PSG in Poissy has been unusually crowded. For manager Luis Enrique, the festive period hasn't just been about tactics and rotation; it’s been a race against time to get his world-class squad back to full fitness. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League looming, fans are desperate for the latest medical updates. From the long-awaited return of club stalwarts to sudden setbacks in cup finals, the current PSG injury list is a central talking point for the Parisian faithful.

The most recent and perhaps most concerning update involves South Korean international Lee Kang-in. During the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo on December 17, 2024, Lee was forced off the pitch before the 30-minute mark. The injury occurred following a series of physical challenges that resulted in what early reports describe as a hyperextension of the knee. The sight of the versatile playmaker being assisted off the field by medical staff has sent shockwaves through the fanbase, especially given his importance as a creative engine in Enrique's system. While he is currently undergoing evaluation to determine the full extent of the damage, he is expected to be sidelined for the start of the 2026 calendar year.

In the defensive line, the captain’s absence is being felt deeply as Marquinhos continues to manage a troublesome adductor strain.¹ The Brazilian center-back was forced off at half-time during a recent Champions League clash and has been a major doubt for the Intercontinental Cup final. Although he traveled with the squad to Doha and showed encouraging signs in training, the coaching staff remains cautious. Luis Enrique has hinted that the priority is a full recovery for the "trophy season" starting in February. In his absence, Willian Pacho and the emerging Lucas Beraldo have had to step up, though Beraldo himself has been managing minor calf over-exertion in the gym.²

The full-back positions have also been a source of anxiety for the Parisian medical department. Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan superstar, is currently recovering from a severe ankle sprain sustained after a heavy tackle in European competition.⁵ While he remains a leader in the locker room, he was ruled out of the Intercontinental Cup final to focus on rehabilitation. This has forced a tactical shift, with academy graduate Warren Zaïre-Emery often filling in at right-back.⁶ On the opposite flank, Nuno Mendes is dealing with his own set of challenges, specifically a minor thigh injury and a sprained knee.⁷ The club is hoping the winter break provides the necessary window for a permanent fix to his recurring muscle fatigue, with a return expected in mid-January.

However, it is not all bad news for the Parisians as some key figures see the light at the end of the tunnel. Gonçalo Ramos has made a triumphant return to the starting lineup, proving his fitness with a decisive header in the recent 3-2 win over Metz. After a difficult period involving ankle surgery and a three-month layoff earlier in the season, his clinical presence as a traditional number nine provides the tactical flexibility the team lacked in his absence. Similarly, Presnel Kimpembe has finally rejoined collective training after nearly two years of injury setbacks. While he is being reintegrated slowly, his presence in the squad is a massive morale boost for a team navigating a dense fixture list.

As the squad prepares for the upcoming Coupe de France tie and the local derby against Paris FC in January, the timing of the Ligue 1 winter break is a blessing in disguise. Luis Enrique has expressed that his "Christmas wish" is a clean bill of health for the entire roster.⁹ With several players in the final stages of rehabilitation, the focus remains on long-term sustainability rather than short-term risks. The medical staff at PSG will be working overtime through the holidays to ensure that by the time the Champions League resumes, the squad is at its maximum potential to challenge for every available trophy in 2026.