Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma suffered a serious facial injury during PSG’s thrilling 4-2 victory over AS Monaco on Wednesday, December 19, 2024, in a Ligue 1 clash at the Stade Louis II.
The Incident: What Happened?
The injury occurred in the 17th minute when Monaco defender Wilfried Singo attempted to jump over Donnarumma after his shot was blocked. Unfortunately, his high boot struck the Italian goalkeeper’s face, leaving him with lacerations near his right eye.
- Details of the Injury:
- Donnarumma received 10 staples to close the wounds.
- Medical personnel immediately attended to him on the pitch.
Despite the severity of the injury, Singo avoided a red card, with the referee deeming the clash unintentional but reckless.
Match Highlights: A Rollercoaster Game
The game turned out to be an intense affair with PSG coming back to claim a 4-2 victory:
| PSG Goal Scorers | Minute |
|---|---|
| Desire Douée | 24th minute |
| Ousmane Dembélé (2 goals) | 64th and Injury Time |
| Gonçalo Ramos | 83rd minute |
Monaco Goal Scorers:
- Eliesse Ben Seghir (Penalty)
- Breel Embolo
PSG’s victory extended their unbeaten Ligue 1 run and increased their lead at the top of the table by 10 points over Marseille and Monaco.
PSG Coach and Players React
PSG coach Luis Enrique refrained from criticizing the referee’s decision regarding the tackle, stating:
“Players don’t intend to hurt. It’s difficult to referee this kind of match.”
Captain Marquinhos, however, voiced his concern:
“VAR needed to intervene. You have to protect the players. To not give a red in such a situation is a big call.”
Impact on PSG’s Season
While PSG continues to dominate domestically, their Champions League campaign has been underwhelming, with the club struggling to secure a spot in the knockout stages.
What’s Next?
PSG will monitor Donnarumma’s recovery as they prepare for the upcoming French Cup tie against Lens and a rematch with Monaco in the Champions Trophy in Doha on January 5, 2025.
Despite Gianluigi Donnarumma’s unfortunate injury, PSG displayed resilience and extended their Ligue 1 dominance. The focus now shifts to ensuring Donnarumma’s recovery and addressing challenges in Europe to complete a strong season.
