Paris Saint-Germain’s hopes for a deep run in the UEFA Champions League may be hampered by recent injuries to key players, most notably South Korean international Lee Kang-in. The attacking midfielder, who joined PSG in 2023, is facing several weeks on the sidelines with a muscle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial round of 16 clash against Chelsea. The situation underscores the challenges facing manager Luis Enrique as he navigates a congested fixture list and aims for European glory.
The injury to Lee Kang-in, sustained during the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, is a significant blow to PSG’s attacking options. Lee Kang-in has established himself as a key component of the PSG attack, and his absence will be keenly felt. The club confirmed the injury on December 19, 2025, stating that the South Korean international will be unavailable for several weeks. This timeline suggests he could miss not only the first leg against Chelsea but potentially the return fixture as well. The injury comes at a critical juncture in the season, with PSG likewise competing in Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France.
Safonov’s Fracture Adds to PSG’s Defensive Concerns
Adding to PSG’s woes is the injury to goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, who suffered a fracture to his left hand during the same Intercontinental Cup final. Safonov, who was instrumental in PSG’s victory over Flamengo, saving four penalties in the shootout, is also expected to be sidelined for several weeks. A new medical assessment is scheduled in three to four weeks to determine the extent of his recovery, with a potential return targeted for the match against Lille on January 16 or Sporting CP on January 20, though that remains uncertain. This injury forces PSG to rely on Lucas Chevalier in goal, a significant change in personnel for a team with Champions League aspirations.
The combined absences of Lee Kang-in and Safonov represent a substantial setback for PSG. Lee Kang-in’s creativity and attacking prowess will be missed in midfield, even as Safonov’s shot-stopping ability and penalty-saving expertise are crucial in goal. The club is already dealing with several other absentees, including Willian Pacho, who is being rested, and Bradley Barcola, who is recovering from muscle fatigue. According to reports on December 3, 2025, Quentin Ndjantou and Martin James are also currently injured. This mounting injury list presents a significant challenge for Enrique as he seeks to maintain squad depth and competitiveness.
Lee Kang-in’s Rise at PSG and International Recognition
Lee Kang-in, born February 19, 2001, has quickly become a prominent figure for both PSG and the South Korea national team. He currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for PSG, wearing the number 19 shirt. His career began with Valencia’s youth academy, where he made his professional debut at the age of 17 in 2018, becoming the youngest South Korean footballer to debut professionally in Europe. He later played for Mallorca before joining PSG in 2023. Lee Kang-in was awarded the Golden Ball at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and was named Asian Young Footballer of the Year in the same year. He has earned 44 caps for the South Korea national team, scoring 11 goals as of November 18, 2025.
The injury to Lee Kang-in is particularly disappointing given his recent form and growing importance to the team. His ability to create chances and unlock defenses will be sorely missed, especially against a formidable opponent like Chelsea. The Champions League round of 16 tie promises to be a challenging encounter, and PSG will need to identify a way to cope with the absence of key players if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
As PSG prepares to face Chelsea, the focus will be on how Enrique adapts his tactics and personnel in the absence of Lee Kang-in and Safonov. The club will also be monitoring the recovery progress of other injured players, hoping to have them back in contention as soon as possible. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for PSG as they navigate a demanding schedule and strive to achieve success on multiple fronts.
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