The Improbable Return of Layvin Kurzawa Confirmed; PSG Will Make Do

PSG will have to do without Nuno Mendes for a long time; the Portuguese defender will undergo surgery. Paris will rely on… Layvin Kurzawa.

Misfortune for some… Lucas Hernandez will remain sidelined for a few more months. PSG has announced Nuno Mendes’ surgery, with an estimated four-month recovery period.

This is a significant blow for PSG, especially after parting ways with Juan Bernat this summer. With only Lucas Hernandez left as an option, PSG also has Layvin Kurzawa on its roster. Kurzawa returned from loan this summer and is under contract until 2026 but didn’t find a new club during the transfer window.

PSG kept him, expecting Nuno Mendes to return soon. However, with Mendes out, coach Luis Enrique might field the French player as early as this weekend against Clermont to give Lucas Hernandez a break ahead of the Champions League.

The Spanish coach can still maneuver by shifting Marquinhos, as he did against Marseille. But Marquinhos also needs rest. Other options include Achraf Hakimi, who is in a similar situation to Marquinhos, and Nordi Mukiele, who can play in that position. However, logic might dictate choosing Layvin Kurzawa, a development no one saw coming.