Decision-makers at Paris Saint-Germain are said to be displeased with Fabian Ruiz amid reports that the Spaniard is refusing to play against Liverpool on Wednesday. The two European heavyweights are set to lock horns in the first leg of their quarter-final tie in Paris.
Euro 2024 winner Ruiz is battling knee discomfort ahead of the crucial fixture. Yet it isn’t sufficient to persuade his superiors at the Parc des Princes that he is unable to play through the pain to feature in the French capital. L’Equipe reported Ruiz’s knee problem is starting to breed frustration within the camp.
It is claimed that club officials believe the player’s knee is perfectly serviceable, even though the Spain midfielder clearly does not share that view.
PSG have already confirmed that Ruiz will not play in the first leg and is not part of the squad. Luis Enrique will be hopeful of welcoming back such a pivotal figure for the return fixture at Anfield instead.
L’Equipe’s report noted Ruiz’s stance that he has no intention of training “as long as he is in pain and suffering.” He withdraws from playing “at the slightest pain,” which is apparently still ongoing.
Ruiz’s last outing for PSG came as far back as 20th January when he played in the surprising 2-1 defeat to Sporting CP. His injury was initially described as bruising on his left knee, though a near three-month absence would indicate the problem is considerably more serious.
The defending European champions head into Wednesday’s quarter-final first leg in superb form, having claimed victory in each of their last four matches. This includes consecutive wins over fellow Premier League giants Chelsea, whom they dismantled 8-2 across both legs in the round of 16.
Discussing Ruiz’s condition ahead of his side’s last-eight debut, Enrique said: “We have to wait for the player, there’s no problem. We’re trying to get the players back as soon as possible.
“We’re still focused on giving the player confidence. Fabian hasn’t trained with the group yet. He’s made a lot of progress, and we’re happy because he seems to be on the right track, but he still needs to do a little more.”
The other notable absentee for Wednesday’s hosts is winger Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old has netted 12 goals this season and found the back of the net in both legs during the demolition of Chelsea.
