Safonov Could Return to PSG Bench Due to Injury

Matvey Safonov makes football history: he saved four consecutive penalties in the Intercontinental Cup final. It was later revealed that the goalkeeper achieved this feat despite a fractured left hand.

However, this injury has sidelined him for at least a month, putting his position in Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) main lineup in doubt. On December 17, Safonov led his team to victory in the penalty shootout against Flamengo.

He became the first goalkeeper in FIFA competition history to save four consecutive penalties and was awarded Player of the Match honors. During the celebrations, Safonov showed no signs of pain: teammates lifted him in the air, he raised the trophy with both hands, and he smiled in front of the cameras.

On December 19, PSG announced that Safonov had suffered a fracture in his left hand and would be unable to play for at least three weeks. Head coach Luis Enrique commented, saying the player himself isn't entirely sure when or how the injury occurred.

The coaching staff speculated that the fracture might have happened during the third penalty, when Safonov made an unusual movement. This raises the possibility that he saved the final two penalties while injured.

Whether it's adrenaline, character, or—as joked on social media—a sheer insensitivity to pain, the incident is undoubtedly extraordinary. Experts have been offering various interpretations.

Sports doctor Nikita Karlitskiy notes that finger fractures are relatively common among goalkeepers, many of whom continue playing in such situations, with fingers heavily taped for support. Meanwhile, Mikhail Butovskiy, chief medical officer at the National Center for Sports Medicine, offered cautious remarks, stating that it's difficult to determine the exact injury or PSG's treatment approach without more details on the affected bone.

While Safonov's courage is being applauded, his bold display might have consequences for his standing in the main lineup. During his tenure in France, Safonov has spent much of his time as a backup—initially behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and later waiting for a chance after Lucien Chevalier.

After Chevalier suffered an ankle injury, Safonov finally emerged from the shadows, seemingly solidifying his spot as the first-choice goalkeeper. But now, with this fracture, the situation has changed again.

Chevalier is getting a second chance, and the stakes are exceptionally high at the moment. On January 4, PSG will face Paris FC in the 21st-century debut of the Paris derby in Ligue 1.

On January 8, the team will clash with Marseille in the French Super Cup final. Mistakes in such high-profile matches are unforgivable—if Chevalier demonstrates consistency, the debate over the goalkeeper hierarchy could reignite.

So far in this season, Chevalier's performance has been average: 22 goals conceded in 20 games, with eight clean sheets, and a save percentage below 70%. His debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham also attracted mixed reviews—he was a hero in the penalty shootout but displayed nervousness during standard play.

The question is: can Chevalier handle the current pressure? After all, he is up against Safonov, whose legendary performance in the Qatar final has left an impression.

Safonov, however, is remaining philosophical about the situation. On his Telegram channel, he wrote: "We keep working and moving forward; stopping is not an option.

You know: no matter what happens, I cannot be broken." Luis Enrique is also optimistic about a speedy recovery, stating that Safonov’s mentality and character are so strong that he might return to action sooner than expected.

Even if Chevalier solidifies his place in the starting lineup, not all hope is lost for Safonov. His standout performance in the Intercontinental Cup final has significantly boosted his reputation in the European market.

He is now on the radar of top club executives. For instance, Manchester United has struggled to identify a reliable No. 1 since David de Gea's departure.

Goalkeepers capable of deciding finals and exerting psychological pressure on opponents in penalty shootouts are rare. The only question: would PSG be willing to let go of such a player?

Safonov is under contract with PSG until 2027. For a club vying for multiple trophies, having two top-class goalkeepers is a logical asset.

But would Safonov be content with such a scenario? He has already proven that he deserves a bigger role than sitting on the bench.

For now, the Russian goalkeeper needs time to recover. In the meantime, Chevalier will attempt to reclaim his position.

This period could change everything—or perhaps nothing. After Safonov’s performance in Qatar, it would be difficult to forget him.

Former goalkeeper Anzor Kavazashvili assessed the situation with regret, saying: "Safonov waited a year and a half for his chance, shone brilliantly, and then suffered such a misfortune. It truly is heartbreaking."

Nonetheless, Safonov has already demonstrated the key truth: breaking Russian athletes is no easy task—even when they are fighting through fractures. Read “Zamin” on Telegram!