PSG vs Rennes: Safonov's Big Chance Amid Injury Crisis

PSG vs Rennes: A Night of Opportunity Amid Injury Woes

As Paris Saint-Germain prepares to host Rennes at the Parc des Princes on December 6th, 2025, one name looms large: Matveï Safonov. With first-choice keeper Lucas Chevalier ruled out with a ankle injury, the Russian goalkeeper faces his biggest opportunity since joining PSG in 2024. This Ligue 1 showdown (kick-off at 21:05) comes amid a perfect storm of absences for Luis Enrique's side, creating both chaos and opportunity.

The Safonov Imperative

For Safonov, this represents far more than just a league start. The 26-year-old has been relegated to the shadows since his arrival, playing second fiddle first to Gianluigi Donnarumma and then to Chevalier. His only league appearance this season came in May's Coupe de France final, while his nine Ligue 1 starts and two Champions League outings last season were mere breadcrumbs.

"Je serai prêt quand ils auront besoin de moi," Safonov declared last September, a statement now facing its ultimate test.

With Chevalier's injury sustained during the disappointing 1-0 loss at Monaco that dropped PSG to second place, Safonov could finally demonstrate the competition PSG sought when signing him from Krasnodar. France 24 highlights how this match represents his "occasion de sortir de l'ombre" – a chance to escape the shadows and stake a claim as a viable number one.

A Mounting Injury Crisis

Adding to the intrigue is a last-minute blow for PSG. Ukrainian defender Illia Zabarnyi has been ruled out after falling ill, forcing Luis Enrique to scramble his already depleted squad. His absence means:

• Five first-team players unavailable (Doué, Mendes, Hakimi, Chevalier, Beraldo)
• The dream debut partnership between Safonov and Zabarnyi – whose professional relationship transcends geopolitical tensions – evaporates
• Increased pressure on youngsters like Renato Marin (19) and Noham Kamara

As Le Parisien reports, PSG will rely on just 20 players, including three keepers, for this crucial fixture against a Rennes side riding a five-match unbeaten streak and sitting fifth in the table.

Rennes' Challenge to the Capital

Julen Lopetegui's men arrive in buoyant form. Their resilience and tactical discipline have made them formidable opponents, capable of troubling even PSG's stars. For Safonov, facing Rennes' attacking threat – spearheaded by forwards in excellent form – provides the ideal stage to prove his worth against quality opposition.

The Path Forward

Luis Enrique's characteristic ambiguity persists. When pressed on his goalkeeping choice, he deflected: "Si c'est Renato ou lui, ce sera une bonne option." But teammate Désiré Doué offered a more confident endorsement: "C'est un très bon gardien [...] je suis sûr que lorsqu'il aura sa chance [...] il sera performant."

This match transcends three points. For Safonov, it's a chance to validate his €20m transfer. For PSG, it's a test of depth amid mounting injuries. For Rennes, it's an opportunity to solidify their Champions League push. At the Parc des Princes, all eyes will be on the Russian keeper as he seeks to seize his moment.