Paris Saint-Germain’s celebrations were short-lived. On the eve of the Coupe de France clash against Vendée Fontenay Foot, the club released its latest medical update — and it confirms six absentees, including two major blows: Lee Kang-in and Matvey Safonov, both sidelined for several weeks.
Kang-in Lee sidelined as expected
As anticipated following his substitution during the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, Lee Kang-in has suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh. PSG confirmed that the South Korean international will be unavailable for several weeks.
No exact timeline has been provided, but with the winter break approaching, Lee is likely to miss at least the next three matches — including the Trophée des Champions against Marseille on January 8.
Safonov’s injury: the shock of the medical update
The real surprise concerns Matvey Safonov, PSG’s hero of the Intercontinental Cup final. Despite saving four penalties against Flamengo, the Russian goalkeeper finished the match playing through pain — and the diagnosis is now official.
Safonov suffered a fracture to his left hand during the match against Flamengo. PSG announced that a new medical assessment will be carried out in three to four weeks.
In other words, Safonov became a hero while playing with a broken hand. His absence will be significant, as he is set to miss several key fixtures, including the Trophée des Champions. His return could be targeted for PSG vs Lille on January 16, or potentially Sporting CP vs PSG on January 20, though that remains uncertain.
Barcola also ruled out, Pacho rested
Already confirmed absent earlier this week, Willian Pacho will not feature against Fontenay, as the club has opted to give him rest. He is expected to rejoin the squad after the Christmas break.
Another late withdrawal is Bradley Barcola, who is still receiving treatment for muscle fatigue. The winger had been seen with his calf heavily taped during the Intercontinental Cup, making his absence less surprising.
Finally, PSG will also be without two players currently on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations:
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
- Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
PSG Medical Update Ahead of Fontenay vs PSG
- Lee Kang-in: Left thigh muscle injury — out for several weeks
- Matvey Safonov: Fracture to the left hand — reassessment in 3–4 weeks
- Bradley Barcola: Muscle fatigue — continuing treatment
- Willian Pacho: Rested — expected back after Christmas break
- Achraf Hakimi: Away with Morocco (AFCON)
- Ibrahim Mbaye: Away with Senegal (AFCON)
A heavily rotated PSG squad will therefore travel to Nantes to face Fontenay — with several key players missing after an intense end to the year.