Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov has been sidelined after fracturing his hand during the Intercontinental Cup final penalty shootout, the club confirmed on Friday.
The 26-year-old played a decisive role in PSG’s triumph on Wednesday, saving four penalties as the European champions lifted the Intercontinental Cup following a 1-1 draw with Flamengo.
However, PSG revealed that Safonov suffered a fracture to his left hand during the shootout and will be re-assessed in three to four weeks. The injury rules him out of Saturday’s French Cup clash against Vendee Fontenay and ensures he will miss the final fixture before the winter break.
Head coach Luis Enrique admitted he was baffled by how the Russian goalkeeper was able to continue playing.
“I cannot explain it, it is unbelievable,” Luis Enrique told reporters. “The player does not even know how it happened. We think it was on the third penalty, when he made a strange movement. He has a fracture.”
“With the adrenaline, he must have finished the shootout despite the injury. It is incredible. That mentality, to always be ready to help the team, is what we want.”
Luis Enrique said he had not yet spoken directly to Safonov, but suggested the injury was a sign that the goalkeeper needed rest.
“Everyone has to deal with negative moments. Some would call it karma,” he added. “He played very well in his last three or four matches. Life is telling him that he needs to recover. With his mentality, he will return faster than normal.”
The PSG coach declined to confirm whether Lucas Chevalier or Renato Marin will replace Safonov in goal.
“I will inform the players first, and then you will know my decision,” he said.
PSG also confirmed that Lee Kang In will be out for several weeks with a left thigh injury sustained against Flamengo, while Bradley Barcola is currently receiving treatment for muscle fatigue.
