Paris Saint-Germain’s preparations for a crucial stretch of their season have been shaken by unexpected news.
Manager Luis Enrique has been hospitalized after a cycling accident, raising doubts about whether he will be on the touchline for PSG’s upcoming fixtures.
The Accident and Surgery
The 55-year-old Spaniard suffered a fractured collarbone while cycling on Friday.
Emergency services rushed to his aid before he was transferred to the hospital for urgent surgery.
PSG later confirmed the incident in a statement, sending him their full support and wishing him a speedy recovery.
Uncertain Return Ahead of Key Matches
The timing of Enrique’s accident couldn’t be more challenging.
PSG are set to face Lens in Ligue 1 on September 14, followed just three days later by their Champions League opener against Atalanta.
Whether Enrique will be fit enough to return to the dugout so soon remains unclear.
Typically, recovery from a collarbone fracture takes six to eight weeks, often involving time in a sling and a gradual rehabilitation program.
Success Since Joining PSG
Enrique has been a transformative figure since arriving at the Parc des Princes in the summer of 2023.
He has already delivered back-to-back Ligue 1 and French Cup titles, and last season achieved the ultimate milestone—guiding PSG to their first-ever Champions League crown.
That triumph, a stunning 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, remains the highlight of his Paris reign so far.
PSG also reached the FIFA Club World Cup final this year, eventually falling to Chelsea.
An Emotional Connection With Fans
For Enrique, lifting the Champions League trophy with PSG carried deep personal significance.
During the final, supporters unveiled a massive tifo honoring his late daughter Xana, who passed away from bone cancer in 2019 at the age of nine.
The tribute echoed a cherished memory from 2015, when Xana had celebrated with him on the pitch after Barcelona’s Champions League triumph.
Enrique later admitted that his daughter is always in his thoughts, especially during both victories and defeats.
A Glittering Career on the Touchline and the Pitch
Beyond PSG, Enrique has enjoyed a remarkable journey in football.
As a player, he represented Sporting Gijón, Real Madrid, and Barcelona before moving into management.
His coaching career includes winning the Champions League as part of a historic treble with Barcelona in 2015 and leading Spain to the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
PSG’s Bright Start to the Season
This season, Enrique’s team has already hit the ground running.
PSG sit at the top of Ligue 1 after three wins from three and recently lifted the UEFA Super Cup by edging Tottenham on penalties.
His absence now leaves a question mark over how the team will cope without his presence during an important stretch.
What Comes Next?
While Enrique focuses on recovery, PSG must prepare for high-stakes matches without knowing when their leader will return.
The club has promised further updates in the coming days, but for now, all thoughts are with Enrique as he begins the road back from surgery.