PSG’s hero in the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is expected to miss the French team. He will only return to the pitch in 2026.
What happened to Safonov? THE Sporting News explains.
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Was Safonov injured? What is the recovery time?
The Russian goalkeeper had a confirmed fracture in his left hand. The physical problem should sideline the Russian player for around a month.
In an official statement, the French club reported that the injury occurred “during the match”, indicating that Safonov may have played the series of penalties already injured. Even so, the archer remained on the field and was decisive in winning the title.
PSG will only enter the field once again in 2025. The match will be next Saturday (20), against Fontenay in the first round of the French Cup. After this commitment, the team will only return to action in 2026.
Other problems in the medical department
In addition to Safonov’s situation, PSG also updated the clinical status of other players in the squad. Midfielder Lee Kang-In left the field in the first half of the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo after suffering a blow to his left thigh.
Exams showed a muscle injury, and the South Korean is expected to be absent from the team for “several weeks”, according to the statement released by the club. He was replaced by Mayulu just before half-time.
Striker Bradley Barcola, who came on during the match, only had muscle fatigue. He began treatment, but PSG did not set a deadline for the athlete’s return to games.
Upcoming PSG games
- 12/20/2025 – 17:00 – Fontenay x PSG – French Cup
- 04/01/2026 – 16:45 – PSG x Paris FC – Ligue 1
- 01/08/2026 – 13:00 – PSG x Marseille – French Super Cup (final)
- 01/16/2026 – 5:00 p.m. – PSG x Lille – Ligue 1
- 20/01/2026 – 17:00 – Sporting x PSG – Champions League
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