I think I have created confusion in this thread!
The OP asked-
"So is it possible to install Photoshop without having creative cloud application installed?"
@kglad replied-
"you can download the app installers without the cc app."
In my replies I then asked-
"is the Desktop App essential to 'Activate' Adobe software.?"
I am not sure I have an answer, and not about to uninstall my Desktop App to find out.
It would seem the OP answered this question with the statement-
"Adobe Creative Cloud, needed to resolve this problem, is missing or damaged"
The Adobe Creative Cloud desktop application is installed upon the first installation of Photoshop or any other desktop app. One of its many functions is managing the licensing process for Adobe memberships.
As WobertC mentioned the Creative Cloud desktop app does not take up much space on the drive. If you are finding that the background processes are using an excessive amount of system resources, and you have an individual membership, then please begin a chat session at https://helpx.adobe.com/contact.html.
For more information on the installation process see https://helpx.adobe.com/creative-cloud/help/download-install-app.html. For additional details regarding the background processes see https://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/global/adobe-background-processes.html.