Paris Saint-Germain have omitted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from the starting XI for today’s Matchday 2 Ligue 1 fixture against Lille. The Georgian winger remains on the bench as Luis Enrique reshuffles the attacking lineup.
The selection follows a shaky start to the season for PSG’s attack. In the Ligue 1 opener against Stade Rennais, both Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele started but were taken off at halftime with the hosts leading 2‑0. Ferran Torres and Mika Godts were introduced, and Torres later scored a brace to help PSG recover and draw 2‑2.
The starting lineup for today’s match against Lille features Safonov, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Beraldo, Zaire-Emery, Fabian, Vitinha, Doue, Ferran and Akliouche. Kvaratskhelia is among the substitutes, alongside Digne, Lucas Hernandez, Mayulu, Godts, Chevalier, Longoni, Zabarnyi and Dro.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will seek to regain a starting berth following PSG’s visit to Lille, as the club looks to establish early momentum in the Ligue 1 title contest.
No guaranteed spots under Luis Enrique
Luis Enrique emphasized after the match that every player faces uncertainty, irrespective of their pedigree. “Football is like that. PSG haven’t won anything. There is no credit at PSG! If you think about what you’ve won, you won’t win anything else,” he remarked when questioned about the halftime changes.
“You need to show every day, in every match, that you are ready. We should win all of the time. To win all of the time, you have to step outside your comfort zone. Is that clear?” concluded Luis Enrique.
Adding to the narrative, Dembele is rested per coaching staff advice and Nuno Mendes remains suspended, which contributes to Kvaratskhelia’s benching. Meanwhile, Akliouche earns his first starting appearance after a strong substitute performance against Rennes.