Kvaratskhelia primed for PSG debut against Reims, says Luis Enrique
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could finally make his first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, as Reims visit the Parc des Princes.
New Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has integrated well with the squad and is ready to feature against Reims on Saturday, says head coach Luis Enrique.
The Georgia international was not part of PSG's squad as they beat Lens 2-1 last weekend and was ineligible for their 4-2 Champions League win over Manchester City on Wednesday.
But exactly one week after completing his €70million transfer from Napoli, Kvaratskhelia was declared available at Luis Enrique's pre-match press conference.
"Physically, he is in great shape. We have seen that during training. He is adapting well, and I think he is ready," Luis Enrique told reporters on Friday.
"When we recruit a player, it's because we believe he can help the team improve.
"What's important is that he's with us and he sees what we ask of the team's players. We've analysed his characteristics, which are compatible with our game.
"To score from distance, you need the shot of Kvaratskhelia, Marco Asensio, or Vitinha. All the players' abilities are welcome. We know him well, we already wanted him last season."
Kvaratskhelia signed for Napoli in 2022 and was named Serie A's 2022-23 Player of the Season after helping the Partenopei win their first Scudetto in 33 years, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 34 games.
Asked if Kvaratskhelia would be in competition with 22-year-old Bradley Barcola, who also plays on the left wing and has scored 13 goals and registered five assists this season, Luis Enrique said the pair could play together.
"I can create any type of combination with the seven attacking players. All combinations are possible, as are their synergies," he added.
PSG are unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and hold a nine-point lead at the top with 46 points. Opponents Reims are 13th with 21 points, though they did hold the champions to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in September.
Luis Enrique's side, who go to Germany for a vital Champions League game against Stuttgart four days after playing Reims, face a packed schedule with three games in eight days.
"We need to be strong both physically and mentally as we are playing every three days," he said.
"Reims are not in a very good period, but they are surely very motivated, so we need to maintain our rhythm to secure all three points."