Safonov avoids serious injury after colliding with PSG goalkeeping coach Borja Álvarez and starts in Lille

Paris Saint-Germain experienced a major scare in the build-up to Saturday's Ligue 1 clash at Lille. Matvei Safonov, the goalkeeper named by Luis Enrique for the starting lineup, took a heavy blow to the head during the warm-up and immediately set alarm bells ringing on the Paris bench. The incident, which involved a member of the coaching staff, left his participation in doubt until the very last moment.

• Matvei Safonov collided violently with PSG goalkeeping coach Borja Álvarez during the warm-up.
• The collision affected the Russian goalkeeper's head, neck and back.
• Safonov was down on the pitch and received medical treatment before walking off.
• Despite the scare, he appeared in the tunnel with the other starters and was announced over the stadium speaker.
• A fifteen-minute delay to kick-off gave Luis Enrique extra time to make his final decision.

How Safonov collided with Borja Álvarez before Lille vs PSG

The incident took place at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy as PSG completed their final preparations. Safonov came out of his goal to clear a cross and, while airborne, crashed into Borja Álvarez, the goalkeeping coach who works alongside Luis Enrique and his technical staff.

The impact was significant. The goalkeeper took the blow around the cervical area and his back, which prompted PSG's medical team to react quickly. Safonov stayed on the ground for a few moments before leaving the pitch with assistance, causing understandable concern among the travelling fans in Lille.

Luis Enrique's decision after the Safonov warm-up scare

Safonov had been named in the starting eleven an hour before kick-off, when the official team sheet was released. The accident during the warm-up created a new scenario: Lucas Chevalier and Alessandro Longoni, the other goalkeepers in the squad, continued their work on the pitch while the Russian received treatment.

The final call came shortly before the scheduled 20:45 start. Safonov reappeared in the tunnel alongside the rest of the starters and the stadium announcer confirmed he would begin the match in goal. The fifteen-minute delay caused by ticketing issues played into PSG's hands, giving Luis Enrique a little more time to assess his goalkeeper's condition.

Safonov's growing role as a PSG starting goalkeeper

Safonov arrived at PSG to become the main alternative to Gianluigi Donnarumma and has accumulated minutes as the season has progressed. Being selected for a demanding away trip like Lille underlines the trust the coaching staff has placed in him, particularly in games where the team must handle the pressure of a high-tempo opponent.

What PSG were playing for at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy

The Parisians visited Lille aiming to remain in firm control at the top of Ligue 1. Luis Enrique's side arrived as clear leaders, and every round brings them closer to another domestic title. Lille, however, are one of those opponents who have historically made life difficult for PSG away from the Parc des Princes.

Taking all three points in such a demanding stadium would strengthen the image of a PSG side balancing their domestic campaign with their European ambitions. Safonov's presence in the starting eleven, after the initial scare, proved that the collision did not alter Luis Enrique's plans for the night.

Frequently asked questions about Safonov's warm-up collision