Paris Saint-Germain's new winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has integrated well into the squad and is ready to play against Reims on Saturday, says head coach Luis Enrique.
The Georgia international was not part of PSG's squad as they beat Lens 2-1 last weekend and was left out of their 4-2 Champions League victory over Manchester City on Wednesday.
But exactly a week after completing his transfer from Napoli for €70 million, Kvaratskhelia was declared available at Luis Enrique's pre-match press conference.
“Physically he is in top form. We saw that during training. He is adapting well and I think he is ready,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Friday.
“When we recruit a player, we do it because we believe he can help the team improve.
“What is important is that he is with us and sees what we ask from the players of the team. We have analyzed his characteristics, which are compatible with our game.”
“To score from distance you need the shot of Kvaratskhelia, Marco Asensio or Vitinha. All the players' abilities are welcome. We know him well, we already wanted him last season.”
Kvaratskhelia signed for Napoli in 2022 and was named Serie A's Player of the Season 2022-2023 after helping the Partenopei win their first Scudetto in 33 years, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 34 matches.
When asked whether Kvaratskhelia would compete with 22-year-old Bradley Barcola, who also plays on the left wing and has scored 13 goals and registered five assists this season, Luis Enrique said the pair could play together.
“I can create any type of combination with the seven attacking players. All combinations are possible, as are their synergies,” he added.
PSG are unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season and have a nine-point lead at the top with 46 points. Opponents Reims are 13th with 21 points, although they did hold the champions to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture in September.
Luis Enrique's team, which goes to Germany for a crucial Champions League match against Stuttgart four days after playing Reims, faces a full schedule with three games in eight days.
“We have to be strong both physically and mentally as we play every three days,” he said.
“Reims are not in a very good period, but they are certainly very motivated, so we have to keep our rhythm to secure all three points.”
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