Paris Saint-Germain's prep ahead of tonight's Liverpool clash has been hit by reports one prominent star is refusing to play
Decision-makers at Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly unimpressed with Fabian Ruiz amid claims the Spaniard is refusing to face Liverpool on Wednesday. The two European giants are poised to clash in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in Paris.
Euro 2024 winner Ruiz is struggling with knee pain ahead of the key fixture and will miss the match. However, it isn't enough to convince his bosses at the Parc des Princes that he couldn't play through the pain to feature in the French capital.
L'Equipe reported Ruiz's knee setback is beginning to cause frustration within the camp. It's alleged officials believe the player's knee is fit for purpose, even though the Spain playmaker evidently doesn't feel the same way.
PSG have already confirmed Ruiz will not be part of their squad for the first leg despite seemingly wanting to call upon him. Luis Enrique will hope to have such an instrumental figure back for the return fixture at Anfield instead.
L'Equipe's report specified Ruiz's position that he isn't interested in training 'as long as he is in pain and suffering' and 'disengages from playing at the slightest pain,' which is apparently ongoing. Although the midfielder will play no part, the news emerging just hours before the crunch game with Liverpool will no doubt unsettle the camp.
Ruiz's last appearance for PSG was all the way back on January 20, when he featured in the shock 2-1 defeat to Sporting CP. His injury was initially described as bruising on his left knee, though an absence of almost three months would suggest it's significantly worse.
The reigning champions of Europe enter Wednesday's quarter-final first leg in fine fettle, having won their last four games. That includes back-to-back victories over another Premier League heavyweight, having dispatched Chelsea 8-2 over both legs in the round of 16.
Speaking about Ruiz's situation ahead of his side's entry in the last eight, 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."
Ruiz is a regular Spain international and will no doubt be eyeing a place on the plane to the World Cup this summer, having been a fixture in their squads when fit.
The other major absence for Wednesday's hosts, meanwhile, is winger Bradley Barcola. The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals this season and netted in both home-and-away legs during the rout of Chelsea.
As for Liverpool, Arne Slot has welcomed Alexander Isak back into his squad after recovering from a fractured leg. The record Premier League signing hasn't played since December and rejoins Liverpool's ranks just in time for a clutch encounter.
The Reds pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset win at the Parc des Princes during last season's Champions League knockout stage. However, they ended up bowing out of the competition following a shootout defeat on home soil as PSG went on to win their first European crown.
EmeraldJ
23
Why would you want to force an injured player to play? That's inhuman
Gannymalta
12
Fabian is a great player, but forcing him to play while in pain is also inhumane. Unfortunately, pain is perceived by the host. Even if people around think he is feigning it, it is Fabian who is paying the price off! After all, 1 man-down in Fabian Ruiz isn't meaning PSG team is paralyzed!