Paris Saint-Germain consider Nico Williams after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia injury

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s season is expected to be over after the Paris Saint-Germain forward suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee during the match against Barcelona.

The injury could prompt Paris Saint-Germain to move for a left winger in the January transfer window. According to Sport, the French club had already been considering strengthening that position, based on reports from France, before Kvaratskhelia’s setback.

Manager Luis Enrique still has several attacking options available, although Ousmane Dembele was also injured against Barcelona. His other choices include Ferran Torres, Mika Godts, Desire Doue, Akliouche and Quentin Ndjantou.

However, Paris Saint-Germain’s healthy financial position means the club would be capable of making a significant investment if it decides to enter the market. The club generated €333.4m from player sales during the most recent summer transfer window, after conducting its business with considerable financial discipline.

Bradley Barcola, who moved to Liverpool, accounted for the largest share of that income, bringing €125m into the Paris Saint-Germain accounts.

L’Equipe reported: “Paris are already looking for a new player to strengthen the wing positions during the January transfer window. The player must be young and have significant potential.”

Those circumstances have created several possible candidates for a move to the French champions. Eurosport says Nico Williams is a serious contender, particularly because Paris Saint-Germain have been monitoring the Spain international closely for several years.

Goal has also identified Algeria international Ibrahim Maza as a player of interest. Maza is regarded as one of the leading emerging talents at Bayer Leverkusen.

Sky, meanwhile, has highlighted Matthias Albert, another highly rated young player gaining experience with Borussia Dortmund.

Paris Saint-Germain may not necessarily have to wait until January if the club wants to respond immediately to Kvaratskhelia’s injury. Ligue 1 has a provision known as the “joker” exception, which allows a club to sign one player from another team competing in either Ligue 1 or Ligue 2.

The rule was introduced by the competition at the start of the third millennium and can be used when a team suffers a serious injury. Paris Saint-Germain would therefore be able to invoke the exception in response to Kvaratskhelia’s condition.

Despite that option, the club’s final decision is expected to be made in January.