Fabian Ruiz is at the center of a tense selection issue at Paris Saint-Germain ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Liverpool in Paris. The Spanish midfielder is set to miss the match after knee discomfort, while club officials are said to be frustrated by his refusal to push through the problem. The situation has added uncertainty to Luis Enrique’s plans at a critical moment for the European champions.
PSG face an unwanted distraction
PSG have already left Fabian Ruiz out of the squad for the opening leg, even though there had been hopes he could be involved. The issue has grown more delicate because club officials believe the knee is fit enough for action, while the player’s own view is that he is not ready.
The timing is especially awkward for PSG, who are preparing for one of their biggest nights of the season. The first leg comes in Paris, and the uncertainty around Fabian Ruiz has become part of the build-up rather than a side note. His absence also removes an important option from Luis Enrique’s midfield plans.
Fabian Ruiz has not featured for PSG since January 20, when he played in the 2-1 loss to Sporting CP. His problem was initially described as bruising to his left knee, but the length of the lay-off has made the situation look more serious than first expected.
What the club and coach are saying
Loic Tanzi, a journalist with L’Equipe de Greg, said the player’s stance is clear. He said Fabian Ruiz repeats that he does not want to play while in pain and does not want to train when he feels even a slight hint of discomfort. Tanzi also said some people at the club are not happy because scans suggest there is nothing left to explain the issue, leaving the case unclear from the club’s perspective.
Luis Enrique has taken a calmer public line. He said the staff must wait for the player, that there is no problem, and that the aim is to get players back as soon as possible. He added that Fabian Ruiz has not trained with the group yet, but has made progress and remains on the right track.
PSG must adjust quickly
Bradley Barcola is the other major absentee for the home side, leaving PSG short of options for a match that already carried high stakes. The team still go into the tie in strong form, but the Fabian Ruiz issue has changed the mood in the camp.
The wider picture is simple: PSG want clarity before the second leg at Anfield, but for now they must deal with the immediate loss of Fabian Ruiz and the tension around his condition. If the midfielder remains unavailable, that will shape how PSG approach the next stage of the Champions League tie.
