POISSY, France: Goalkeeper Matvei Safonov, the star of Paris Saint-Germain’s Intercontinental Cup win, has a fracture in his left hand the club said on Friday.
The Russian saved four penalties in a shootout in Qatar on Wednesday as PSG edged Brazilians Flamengo to lift another trophy.
“Matvei Safonov has suffered a fracture to his left hand following the match against Flamengo,” the club said in a statement. “A further update will be provided in three to four weeks.”
The announcement came on the eve of the trip to face fifth-tier Vendee Fontenay in the French Cup. Either nominal number one Lucas Chevalier or third-choice Renato Marin will be in goal.
The injury ends, for now, a potential debate over who should start in goal for the European champions.
The 26-year-old Safonov started the season as the number two but match-winning exploits in Qatar followed several impressive displays standing in for Chevalier, who injured his ankle at the end of November after a shaky start to the season.
Chevalier, who turned 24 in November, was acquired in the summer because coach Luis Enrique liked his footwork with the ball but he has sometimes looked less reliable stopping shots.
PSG penalty hero Safonov out until next year with broken hand
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PSG penalty hero Safonov out until next year with broken hand
- The Russian saved four penalties in a shootout in Qatar on Wednesday
- “Matvei Safonov has suffered a fracture to his left hand following the match against Flamengo,” the club said
Dubai Basketball complete perfect weekend with 2 away wins
- Victories in the EuroLeague (Anadolu Efes Istanbul) and ABA League (SC Derby) respectively
- Team will host Armani Milan for round 18 of the EuroLeague at Coca-Cola Arena on Tuesday
DUBAI: Dubai Basketball capped off an outstanding week on the road in Europe with two statement victories, ahead of their return home to Coca-Cola Arena on Dec. 23 for round 18 of the EuroLeague.
The team opened the weekend in Istanbul with a dramatic 76-80 EuroLeague win over Anadolu Efes on Friday night, before travelling to Podgorica to extend their unbeaten run in the ABA League with a composed 67-80 victory against SC Derby on Sunday.
The wins mark a defining moment in Dubai Basketball’s season, following their first home defeat against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv.
Friday’s EuroLeague clash in Istanbul tested Dubai Basketball’s composure. After trailing by double digits in the third quarter, the team mounted a comeback, staying disciplined in a tense fourth quarter.
McKinley Wright delivered a standout performance, proving to be one of the team’s most pivotal players in just his first season. The victory marked Dubai’s second EuroLeague road win of the season, both achieved in Istanbul.
Just two days later, Dubai Basketball continued their perfect start to Group A with a ninth consecutive win. Against SC Derby, the visitors absorbed early pressure before gradually asserting control.
A decisive stretch after halftime created separation, allowing Dubai to manage the closing stages comfortably and preserve their record as the league’s only unbeaten team.
The successful road trip now sets the stage for a EuroLeague showdown on Tuesday against Italian giants EA7 Emporio Armani Milan at Coca-Cola Arena.
